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/post you repeat slip to either surgery
We do not take repeat prescription requests over the phone or email.
Requesting medication issued by a hospital
If you are contacting us regarding a medication which has been started or amended by the hospital, we would like to explain the protocol to you.
We have clear processes in place to deal with such changes. The hospital team will usually issue you with enough medication supply via a hospital outpatient prescription until we can take over. Patients do not need to contact us to inform of any medication changes as we receive letters from hospital teams directly. Once a letter is received ( usually electronically), our admin team passes it to the medication reconciliation team, which consists of Amy, our senior pharmacist and Janet, our pharmacy technician, who will update your repeat prescription. We aim for this to be done within 1 week after an inpatient admission and within 2 weeks after an outpatient attendance at the hospital clinic. The delay before that in receiving the communication( being dictated and typed up by hospital team) is outside our control but is not common.
A prescriber should only change medication if they have either assessed a patient themselves or have clear written evidence that another clinician has assessed and made changes. Please note that a copy of the outpatients prescription is not enough and we usually need the full clinic letter which gives details of diagnosis and reason for starting medication.
We will not contact you to inform you that your prescription has been updated unless there is a query. You can expect the new medication to be on your repeat prescription in the time frame given above. Making requests earlier than that puts pressure on our existing systems.
Collecting your prescription
You can usually collect your prescription 2 working days (excluding weekends) 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
- fill out a nominate a pharmacy form
- 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.
If you would like to speak to someone at the GP surgery about your prescription:
- fill out an ask a prescription question 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
View the cost of prescriptions on the NHS website, NHS: Get help with prescription costs.
You can also find out if you are entitled to free prescriptions at NHS: Get help with prescription costs.
What to do with old medicines
Take it to the pharmacy you got it from except for sharps bins, please bring these in to the surgery for safe disposal. 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 room where you can discuss issues with pharmacy staff.