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
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 bring the paper form to the surgery, Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 6.00pm
- You can also send us an email with your request on.
We do not take repeat prescription requests over the phone.
Collecting your prescription
You can usually collect your prescription from the pharmacy 3 to 5 working days after you have ordered it.
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.
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.
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.
Prescribing Policy
Repeat Prescriptions Requests
Prescription Timescale
All prescriptions will be sent to your nominated pharmacy within 48 hours of their request.
Prescription Quantities
In most instances prescription repeats will be issued for 28 days. There is evidence this avoids wastage. However the clinician may at his discretion authorise repeats for up to 56 days in certain circumstances.
In the case of contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy, scripts will be issued for 6 months.
Patients 75+ and over will only be given repeat prescriptions in 1 month quantities.
Authorised repeat quantities
Repeat prescriptions will be authorised at the doctor’s discretion for up to twelve months. Our Clinical Pharmacist will complete a medication review when the prescription issue date is due. Depending on the medication some patients may require investigations prior to their review and some may only require a telephone call. Out practice will advise you in advance of this.
It is important that we continue to monitor and carry out medication reviews for our patients safety. We may not be able to continue prescribing if a patients review is not completed.
Dose equivalence
Items should be aligned, where possible, such that they expire on the same date. If quantities require amending to bring them into line, this may be attended to by our Clinical Pharmacist.
Over and under prescribing
Reception staff should indicate (to the clinicians) instances where items are being requested ahead of schedule as this may indicate non-compliance or abuse of medication.
Items that have not been requested should not be removed from the record without reference to a doctor.
Change of medication
Changes in prescription medication are the responsibility of the doctors and authorised practitioner/prescribers. Amendments are only to be made at the direction of a clinician. Particular attention is to be paid to amendments to medication on hospital discharge, as this is an area where errors can occur.
NHS App
You can use the NHS App to check your symptoms and get instant advice, book appointments, order repeat prescriptions, view your GP medical record and more.
What the NHS App does
- get advice about coronavirus – get information about coronavirus and find out what to do if you think you have it.
- order repeat prescriptions – see your available medicines, request a new repeat prescription and choose a pharmacy for your prescriptions to be sent to.
- book appointments – search for, book and cancel appointments at your GP surgery, and see details of your upcoming and past appointments.
- check your symptoms – search trusted NHS information and advice on hundreds of conditions and treatments, and get instant advice or medical help near you.
- register your organ donation decision – choose to donate some or all of your organs and check your registered decision.
- find out how the NHS uses your data – choose if data from your health records is shared for research and planning.
- view parts of your GP record – including information about medication, allergies, vaccinations, previous illnesses and test results.
If you’re a patient at our practice you can use the new NHS App, a simple and secure way to access a range of NHS services on your smartphone or tablet.
Get the app
Urgent advice: Having Problems?
You can still contact the practice by phone or in person, this is just another option, which other patients have found is more convenient and saves them time. More information including “how to” leaflets and videos of patients and why they are using GP online services are available at www.nhs.uk/gponlineservices
SystmOnline
Online services allow you to:
- book, check or cancel appointments with a GP, nurse or other healthcare professional
- order repeat prescriptions
- see parts of your health record, including information about medicines, vaccinations and test results
- see communications between your GP Medical Centre and other services, such as hospitals
How to register for Online Services
In order to register for the online services please complete the applicable registration form.
Adults and children over the age of 12 years must complete their own application form. Children under the age of 12 years can be registered by a parent or guardian on the ‘Proxy’ form.
You can also choose to give access to someone else, a ‘Proxy’, such as a carer or relative who assists you in day-to-day life, but please read the information leaflet carefully before granting access to someone else to your medical record.
All persons wishing to apply for online services must provide two forms of identification on application.