Prescriptions

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
• bring the white part of you repeat slip in to the practice with the required items clearly marked
• post it to us with a stamped addressed envelope if you want us to post it back to you

We do not take repeat prescription requests via email or over the phone, however, we will continue to take prescription telephone requests for our elderly, housebound & vulnerable patients only.

If you download the NHS app and struggle to use it, please pop to the surgery and one of our Care Co-ordinators will be happy to help you.

Collecting your prescription

From the 1st April 2019, we changed our policy on prescription wait times. It was increased from 48 hours to a 72 hour period. Please ensure that you allow adequate time when requesting your medication.

You can collect your prescription from the surgery at the designated reception point. This reception is open from 8:00 am until 6:00 pm on the days the surgery is open. Alternative you can ask your pharmacy to collect it on your behalf. Please note, when picking your prescription up from the practice we will ask you some security questions.

You could also arrange for home deliveries of medication with your local pharmacy. To find out more please contact a pharmacy of your choice.

Questions about your prescription

For any patients that have any prescription queries you can contact our dedicated prescription line. Please note, this number is for queries only, medication requests will not be accepted and must be submitted by one of the methods above.

Dedicated prescription line number: 0161 679 5939

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.

• Go to Medicines A to Z (nhs.uk)

Medication reviews

Patients on repeat medication will be asked to see either a doctor, nurse practitioner or practice nurse at least once a year to review these regular medications. We do this to ensure good control and compliance with medications and to complete any other outstanding tasks, for example bloods or blood pressure checks.

Please allow three full working days between requesting and collecting your medication. If you are using the postal service you should allow longer so please order in plenty of time.

Prescription charges

Find out more about prescription charges (nhs.uk).

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.

• Find a pharmacy (nhs.uk)

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.

Hospital Prescriptions

If the specialist prescribes a new medication or changes one that you are on please ask them to provide you with the first prescription. This may be on a white prescription that can be used in the hospital pharmacy or on a green one that you can take to your normal pharmacy.

Upon notification from the specialist we may automatically add the medication change to your repeat list on the computer. You will then be able to order a re-supply without an appointment. You may need to telephone us to confirm this or use our on-line service System Online if you have registered for them.

If you are uncertain what changes the specialist is making please ask them to explain it to you at the appointment. It saves you having to see your GP to discuss something he or she may only know of from a short letter of explanation.

If you have any questions about prescriptions, how they are managed or dealt with then please contact the Practice Prescribing Team. You can find the number on the Contact Us section.