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

These accounts show you all your repeat medicine and dosage and you can choose the ones you need.

You can also:

fill out a repeat prescriptions request form
request medication via our online consultation service
bring the paper form to the surgery, Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 6.00pm
email us on our new prescription email – rosmellyn.prescriptions@nhs.net

We do not take repeat prescription requests over the phone.

Patient Access

Collecting your prescription

Please allow at least 3 clear working days before you need the medication to allow us to process the prescription; note that requests submitted on a Friday will not be available until the following Wednesday. Please remember that it is your own responsibility to ensure that you get your medication ordered in good time.

You will need to choose a pharmacy 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

Questions about your prescription

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.

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)

If you would like to speak to someone at the GP surgery about your prescription:

phone our pharmacist after 10am on 01736 330909
fill in our medication query form

Generic Prescribing Policy

Every drug has 2 names. It can be very confusing. For example NUROFEN is a trade name or marketing name, the generic or chemical name is IBUPROFEN. Similarly PANADOL and PARACETAMOL are the same thing.

It is Government policy to increase the rate of generic prescribing. This saves the NHS money, as one of the largest costs of the NHS is prescribed drugs. It does mean some of the drug names are almost unpronounceable – it’s as difficult for doctors and pharmacist as it is for patients!

It also means that sometimes the packaging in which you receive your medicine from the pharmacist will be different to the one you are used to. However, if you check the drug (generic) name on the packet, you should find that it is the same drug. If it isn’t, speak to your pharmacist!

Quantity of drugs allowed on each prescription

The government recommends that on any prescription the maximum quantity of drugs prescribed should be those needed for 28 days. If further supplies are needed then they should be repeated every 28 days.

The government say this would prevent wastage and save over 10% of the national drug bill.

For some medicines that you have been taking for a long time we may issue longer prescriptions.

Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about your tablets.

Drug information leaflets for many drugs are also available from patient.co.uk.

Medication reviews

If you have a repeat prescription, we may ask you to come in for a regular review. We will be in touch when you need to come in for a review.

On occasion, especially where you have been prescribed strong, addictive drugs or have been taking a type of medication for a long time, the doctor will need to review the prescription and this may mean that it will take more than 2 working days to be ready.

Prescription charges

In England, around 90% of prescription items are dispensed free. This includes exemptions from charging for those on low incomes, such as:

those on specific benefits or through the NHS Low Income Scheme
those who are age exempt
those with certain medical conditions

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 Requests

When you are discharged from hospital you should normally receive 7 days’ supply of medication.

On receipt of your medication requirements, which will be issued to you by the hospital, please bring this to the surgery or post via a stamped addressed envelope before your supply of medication has run out.

Hospital requests for change of medication will be checked by the GP first, and if necessary your doctor will issue you with a prescription. The Practice will endeavour to issue you with your prescription on that day, but it cannot be issued until your medical details are checked by the doctor, your prescription should normally be ready by 4pm on that day, or you may be advised to attend the next day.

The doctors will review your medication, regularly, which may involve changes to your tablets, in accordance with current health board policies. Please be reassured that this will not affect your treatment.