Ordering repeat prescriptions
The easiest ways to order repeat prescriptions are:
- using your NHS account (through the NHS website or in the NHS App)
- using the GP online system: Patient Access
These accounts show you all your repeat medicine and dosage and you can choose the ones you need.
You can also:
- bring the paper form to the surgery, Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 6.30pm
- by email – please email your request to cantilupe.prescriptions@nhs.net
We are able to provide proxy access if requested. There is more information on this here.
Non-urgent advice: Patient Notice
Please give us a full 72 hours notice (THREE full working days) for processing and remember to take weekends and bank holidays into account.
Pharmacy Services
We are now able to send almost all of your prescription directly to a Pharmacy; this is called the Electronic Prescribing Service (EPS) Please make your chosen Pharmacy clear when you request your prescription.
See more details here EPS on the NHS website.
Most pharmacies, if requested, will collect and make up your prescription ready for collection – please check with your pharmacist.
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 and notification should appear on your repeat slip.
Please ensure that you book an appropriate appointment to avoid unnecessary delays to further prescriptions.
You can find information concerning our Prescription Fees here.
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.
Private Prescriptions
Important information regarding private appointments and subsequent prescriptions.
It is important to consider all potential costs when accessing a private consultant and this includes medicine costs. If you have private medical insurance, you should check with your insurance provider to see what costs are covered.
If you have seen a clinician privately we would like to inform you that should you require medication which needs to be started immediately YOU MUST GET THE INITIAL SUPPLY FROM THE PRIVATE HOSPITAL. This will incur a private fee.
If the medication is to be continued after the initial supply we can only issue further prescriptions once we have received confirmation of the medication required. This must be via a typed letter or an email from the private hospital dealing with the diagnosis and treatment i.e. the medication, strength and dosage required. These requests will be dealt with routinely as per other NHS prescriptions.
There are certain instances in which we will not be able to issue ongoing prescriptions:
- If the medicine is not included in the normal NHS treatment pathway and/or is not included in the local preferred medicine choices (medicines formulary). An alternative medicine may be offered to you by your GP, if appropriate.
- The medicine is not licensed in the UK or is being used for a purpose not included in its UK licence.
- Red drugs which can only suitable for specialist prescribing. Your GP may be required to refer you into the NHS specialist pathway so you can be assessed and receive the treatment. Note that this may be some time therefore you should discuss with your GP what to do in the interim
- Amber drugs which required a shared care agreement and regular monitoring. This category requires specialist advice and reviews on a regular basis. With a valid shared care agreement in place, GP can potentially share the prescribing.
- The medicine is on the NHS blacklist and is not allowed to be prescribed by anyone on the NHS or not recommended for routine primary care prescribing (e.g. certain over the counter medicines including homeopathic medicines).
- Your GP may not agree with the choice of medicine being recommended and/or the medicine is included further down the treatment pathway. An alternative medicine may be offered to you by your GP, if appropriate.