Prescriptions
Ordering repeat prescriptions
We strongly recommend all our patients request their repeat prescriptions through the NHS App which is available here as these requests go direct to the GP to be actioned, minimising any possible delay.
- You can order your prescribed medication via your Patient Access app, your NHS app or Blinx and for now by dropping off a request at the practice.
- Check how many days of medication you have left before ordering your medication.
- Please ensure when you request your repeat medication you do this when you have at least 7 days left.
- It can take us 2 working days to process repeat prescription requests handed into the practice or those that are submitted via Blinx before the prescription is then sent to your nominated pharmacy.
- Once the pharmacy receives your prescription it can take them another 2 working days to prepare your prescription.
- Remember to only order the medication you need for the month.
- You don’t need to order medication every month for it to stay on repeat prescription.
- Most prescriptions issued by the practice are sent electronically to your nominated pharmacy. To register with a pharmacy of your choice contact the pharmacy directly, use the NHS App or call the practice.
- A prescription for controlled drugs, for example: tramadol, morphine and fentanyl, will need to be sanctioned and ordered by a GP. You will be prescribed a maximum amount, agreed by the GP.
Costs for prescriptions
If your GP gives you a prescription you will need to take this to a Pharmacy for the medication to be dispensed. You will need to tick the required box and sign it before handing it over to the Pharmacist. Unless you are eligible for free prescriptions you will have to pay a charge for each item on your prescription. For further information on prescription charges please click here
If you are entitled to receive your prescriptions free of charge you will need to be able to prove this. If you claim exemption when you are not entitled to you will receive a fine.
Certain groups of people are entitled to free prescriptions:
https://www.gov.uk/help-nhs-cos
If you are not entitled to free prescriptions but are on regular medication you could save money by purchasing a ‘prepayment certificate’ – otherwise known as a “season ticket”. These are available for periods of either three or twelve months.
To apply for a ‘prepayment certificate’, ask for an NHS form FP95 which is available from your surgery or on the NHS website on the link below
NHS Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC) | NHSBSA
Queries about your medication
If you have a query regarding your repeat medication, please complete a Blinx request here.
Pharmacy services
As qualified healthcare professionals, pharmacists can offer advice on minor illnesses such as:
- coughs
- colds
- sore throats
- insect bites
- tummy trouble
- aches and pains
They can also advise you 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 a pharmacist, without being overheard.
If your pharmacist recommends that you see your doctor, follow that advice.
Medicines
Please do not expect your GP to give you a prescription every time you visit. You may simply not need any medicine.
If you are given a prescription, it may be for a medicine under its ‘generic’ or general name, not under its better-known ‘trade’ name. All drugs prescribed by your GP are tested to the same high standard and while the colour, shape, size and taste of your regular medicine may differ from what you may be used to, the active ingredients will be the same.
By prescribing you a ‘generic’ medicine, your GP is saving the NHS money which can be spent on other NHS services.
Many of the drugs you may be prescribed are now available directly from your local pharmacist. These are called ‘over the counter’ drugs and often cost less than a prescription charge. Your GP or Pharmacist will be happy to tell you if your medicine is available over the counter.
Do not forget your local pharmacist can also help you with a wide range of health issues.
Find a local pharmacy