Ordering repeat prescriptions
The easiest ways to order repeat prescriptions are:
- using your NHS account (recommended)
- using the GP online system: SystmOnline
These accounts show you all your repeat medicine and dosage and you can choose the ones you need. They are faster to process and reduce the risk of mistakes.
You can also:
- bring the paper form to the surgery, Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 6.30pm
We do not take repeat prescription requests over the phone you can send a request via email to sxicb-wsx.medications.lmp@nhs.net
We are using a new dispensing computer system that will notify you when you prescription is ready for collection at our dispensary. We no longer routinely print out repeat request slips, but if you need one please ask our reception team.
Our dispensary service
We are a dispensing practice. We can dispense prescriptions for our own patients who live more than 1.6km (in a straight line) from a community pharmacy (about 90% of our patients). If you live closer than this you will need to use your local community pharmacy.
NHS Prescription charges still apply at dispensaries. We only accept electronic payments and do not accept cash.
Dispensaries are different to community pharmacies:
- they are staffed by technicians and supervised by GPs (there is no registered pharmacist present)
- they are funded differently by the NHS and have to operate to strict rules
Collecting your prescription
You can usually collect your prescription from the dispensary or a pharmacy 3 to 5 working days after you have ordered it.
You will need to choose a pharmacy (or our dispensary) to collect your prescription from. We call this nominating a pharmacy.
You can change your nominated pharmacy at any time:
- on the app or website where you order repeat prescriptions
- at your GP practice
- at any pharmacy that accepts repeat prescriptions
Urgent and Emergency prescription requests
It is your responsibility (or that of your carer) to order repeat medicines in adequate time. This makes sure that the dispensary or pharmacy has your drugs in stock and that the safety checks that take place each time your prescription is requested, reviewed and authorised by a doctors work correctly.
You can obtain an emergency supply of most prescribed medicines from a pharmacy – they are allowed to issue a supply directly if you have / are about to run out. You can also contact NHS 111 to make a request if the surgery is closed.
If you need a prescription to be issued urgently (i.e. sooner than 5 working days) you will need to attend the practice and complete a request form. We do not accept urgent requests electronically (they get lost in the routine requests) or by telephone or email.
Urgent prescription requests are disruptive to the smooth running of the practice and reduce the ability of our administration and clinical teams to concentrate on delivering our core services.
Questions about your prescription
The NHS website has information on how your medicine works, how and when to take it, possible side effects and answers to your common questions.
If you have questions about your medicine, your local pharmacists can answer these. They can also answer questions on medicines you can buy without a prescription. Please note our dispensary is staffed by technicians, not registered pharmacists – they may not be able to answer questions in the same depth.
Medication reviews
Patients on repeat medication will be asked to see a doctor, nurse practitioner or practice nurse at least once a year to review these regular medications a notification should appear on your repeat slip.
Ensure that you book an appropriate appointment to avoid unnecessary delays to further prescriptions.
Prescription charges
You must pay a prescription charge unless you are exempt. If you pay, it may be worth your while to get a pre-pay certificate for 3 or 12 months. Find out more about prescription charges
Our dispensary is now cashless – please bring an electronic method of payment with you.
What to do with old medicines
Take it to the pharmacy you got it from or bring it in to the surgery. Do not put it in your household bin or flush it down the toilet.
About pharmacists
As qualified healthcare professionals, pharmacists can offer advice on minor illnesses such as:
- coughs
- colds
- sore throats
- tummy trouble
- aches and pains
They can also advise on medicine that you can buy without a prescription.
Many pharmacies are open until late and at weekends. You do not need an appointment.
Most pharmacies have a private consultation room where you can discuss issues with pharmacy staff without being overheard.
What to do if you have run out of your medication and need an emergency supply.
During our opening hours, Monday to Friday 08:00 -18:30 call 01403 752246 and press option 2 to speak to a staff member of our dispensary team.
When we are closed, in the evening or during the weekend call NHS 111. Community pharmacies can also issue emergency supplies of prescribed medicines in many circumstances.
Unavailable Medicines
There are national shortages across the whole country of a number of different medications. Our dispensary teamwork under the close supervision of our GPs to find a suitable alternative if your usual medication is not available. Sometimes you may be offered a prescription to take away to another chemist who may have their own supply of your particular item, but this is not within our control. We ask that you treat all our staff with respect and in a polite manner if you have any concerns with any of our services. Raised voices and rude behavior will not be tolerated.