Repeat prescriptions are those medications that the GP has started when seeing a patient and is happy for the patient to have again without seeing the Doctor every time. Patients with repeat prescriptions still need to see their GP once or twice a year for a medication review to check the medicine is still appropriate and effective. GPs oversee and take responsibility for the repeat prescription system, but Prescription Clerks use their knowledge and experience to make this mainly computer based process run smoothly and safely.

Please note we are reviewing the processes for ordering repeat prescriptions. Email requests from patients will not be accepted directly from 1st April 2024 due to information governance concerns using non-secure email addresses.

Ordering Repeat Prescriptions

Do not leave it until you run out. Please order your repeat medication 7-10 days before you are due to run out, as it may take up three working days to process your prescription request - excluding weekends and Bank Holidays. This excludes any time that a pharmacy may require to dispense the prescription.

You can order a repeat prescription by using one of the following methods:

• The NHS app is the best way to order repeat prescriptions online as you can register for this without needing login details from the practice. See https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-app/ for details on how to register for this service.
• Sign up to online services via the Patient Access website and/or App where you can order your repeat medication, book appointments, view some test results and allergy information. Due to the nature of this service you will need to request login details from the practice and will be asked to collect your login details in person and provide photographic ID (passport, driving license etc).  Patient Access App for iPhone. Patient Access App for Android.
• If you require access to order prescriptions on behalf of a child or relative please ask us about Proxy Access to order online prescriptions.
• Phone (01278 720005) 10am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 3pm. This service is intended for those who do not have access to order prescriptions online or are unable to order prescriptions in person. Please use one of the other methods if you are able as this means the phone line is accessible for those who cannot order via another method.
• In person or by post.

Repeat prescription requests may take up to three working days, pharmacies will also require time to dispense your medication.

An up to date list of pharmacies and their phone numbers is available at: https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/pharmacy/find-a-pharmacy.

Urgent prescriptions should only be requested if you have run out of important medication and you are unable to wait until the next day. Urgent requests will be reviewed by the clinical team. Certain medicines available to purchase over-the-counter will not be considered urgent and will be processed routinely.

Urgent prescriptions will not be issued immediately; you may be asked to return later in the day to collect a prescription, or it may be sent to your usual pharmacy or a prescription "barcode" sent to you via text message.

You can also access prescriptions urgently if you run out by contacting 111 out of hours.

https://111.nhs.uk/emergency-prescription

Prescription Exemptions

Some people are exempt from prescription costs, such as;

• those on specific benefits or through the NHS Low Income Scheme
• those who are age exempt
• those with certain medical conditions
• More information is available at NHS Choices

https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/help-with-health-costs/

If you have a number of regular prescriptions and pay for prescriptions you may benefit from a prescription prepayment certificate.

https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/prescriptions-and-pharmacies/save-money-with-a-prescription-prepayment-certificate-ppc/

The current NHS prescription charge is set by the government - please ask your pharmacy for details.

This page was last updated on 17/01/2024.