Ordering repeat prescriptions
Repeat prescriptions are medications which appear on your prescription slip which the doctor would like you to continue on a regular basis. Your list can also be found on your online account.
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 on a computer, tablet or smartphone. This can now also be done via the Airmid App.
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 8.30am to 6pm
We do not take repeat prescription requests over the phone or email.
Collecting your prescription
All prescriptions will be sent to your nominated pharmacy. Please allow 5 working days before collecting your prescription.
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
Dispensary
We are a dispensing practice, and if you live more than a mile by road from a community pharmacist we can dispense your medicines as well as prescribe them.
For some/few medications, the prescription must be printed off and taken to the pharmacy in person. You will always be notified if this is the case for your prescription.
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.
If you would like to speak to someone at the GP surgery about your prescription:
- 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.
If you have a repeat prescription, we will ask you to come in at least once a year for a review. Please make sure you book a routine appointment when we ask you to come in for your review.
You can do this in two ways:
- Phone us Monday to Friday, from 10am to 6.00pm – We have a lunch break from 12.30pm to 1.30pm
- Visit the surgery and speak with a receptionist. We are open Monday to Friday 8.30am to 6pm – We have a lunch break from 12.30pm to 1.30pm
Electronic Prescription Service
The Electronic Prescription Service (EPS) is a NHS service that allows us to send your prescription(s) directly to your chosen pharmacy. This paper-free prescription service means that you do not have to come into the surgery to collect your prescription.
We encourage all patients to register for this free service. To register for it, or for more information on the service, please contact the practice.
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.
If your medicine is out of date, unwanted, or some of it is left over after you have stopped taking it, do not put it in your household bin or flush it down the toilet. Instead, take it to your pharmacy to be disposed of safely.
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.
Over-the-counter medicines
Did you know that your local NHS spends £15m a year on prescribing medicines that are available to buy at the pharmacy?
Following national guidance from NHS England, our GPs are asked not to prescribe these medicines (there are some exceptions, see the below link), including for conditions such as coughs, colds, headaches, mouth ulcers, travel sickness and mild toothache.
Your GP will not generally give you a prescription for over-the-counter medicines for a range of minor health concerns. Instead, over-the-counter medicines are available to buy at your local pharmacy.