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: SystmOnline
By telephoning the surgery (01325 528 000) between 10am – 12pm and 2pm – 4pm only . If you are housebound or over 75 years of age you will be directed to speak to a member of staff who will assist you.

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 request slip in the letter box provided in the entrance to the surgery at any time

We do not take repeat prescription requests over the phone or email.

Collecting your prescription

You are advised to allow at least 72 hours notice when ordering repeat prescriptions to allow for the script to be issued. Your nominated pharmacy may also need a further 24 hours to process your prescription. Sometimes you may be asked to see a doctor before a repeat prescription can be issued. This is routine and very important for your health and safety. Do not delay in arranging an appointment.

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

Non-urgent advice: Please Note

You must not order repeat prescriptions too early, as this is carefully monitored and a script will not be issued. If the need is for a holiday, or other travel, we can make an occasional exception and you must inform of this when requesting medications.

We would advise not to completely run out of any medication before re-ordering, remember it is your responsibility to order your medication, usually when you are down to your last weeks supply.

Prescriptions for the Elderly and Housebound

For those Elderly & Housebound patients who may prefer to speak with a member of staff we will accept their calls.

Electronic Repeat Dispensing

We encourage patients with regular repeat medication to use Electronic Repeat Dispensing where we are able to send batches of repeat prescriptions to the pharmacy, so they are available without you needing to contact the surgery each time. Please ask a member of staff for more information.

Why not synchronise your medication?
The aim is to order all of your medication at the same time, rather than different times throughout the month.
It saves time for you, your doctor and your pharmacist. Medication is less likely to be wasted and you are more likely to remember to take it.
When is not a good time to synchronise?
If your doctor is in the process of adjusting your medication or starting you on new medication he/she may prescribe smaller amounts of something. It is best to wait for your medication regime to be stable before you synchronise.
Why does repeat medication “go out of sync”?
This happens if medication is packaged in different amounts. For example, some tablets come in packets of 28 and others 30. Sometimes you may stop taking one or more of your medications for a short period.
I sometimes get a “back log” of medication, what shall I do with it?
If you are still taking the medication, check the expiry date and if it is in date, use it up and stop ordering temporarily. If it has expired take it back to the pharmacy.
Some people will not need all their medication each month. Common examples include painkillers, laxatives, warfarin and inhalers. Please do not request a prescription if you do not need it. If a pharmacist orders for you, please ask them to check with you before they order.
Ordering “on-line“ via the NHS app is recommended as the most reliable and safest way to order. It also saves our reception staff time, freeing them up to do other things like answer the telephone and deal with more complex problems. Please ask reception or your doctor to help you to register for online access.
So how do I synchronise my repeat prescriptions? (click HERE for the form)
Please complete our simple form when you next need to request an item. Your doctor will issue a “one off” prescription of the tablets you need to synchronise all your medication to within a day or two. Please click HERE to fill in the form and send it back via email to pease.way@nhs.net or print this form and when you have filled it in, hand it in at reception , the form is also available at reception just ask.

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, you can call us or fill in our medication query form.

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.

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.