Your doctor or nurse will try to find the best way of making you better. You may not always be given medicine, as there are many other ways to treat you. Please do not expect a prescription on every visit.
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: Patient Access
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
- post or take your completed repeat prescription slip to the surgery
We do not take repeat prescription requests over the phone or email.
Collecting your prescription
You can usually collect your prescription within 2 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
- fill out a nominate a pharmacy or other dispenser form
- at any pharmacy that accepts repeat prescriptions
Housebound patients can arrange with local pharmacies to request and deliver medications.
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.
Go to Medicines A to Z (nhs.uk)
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
Patients who receive regular prescriptions will sometimes be asked to see a doctor or practice nurse before their next repeat prescription is due. This is so that your medication can be assessed and altered as necessary.
Prescription charges and exemptions
Extensive exemption and remission arrangements protect those likely to have difficulty in paying charges (NHS prescription and dental charges, optical and hospital travel costs).
The NHS prescription charge is a flat-rate amount which successive Governments have thought it reasonable to charge for those who can afford to pay for their medicines.
- Please visit the NHS website for the latest prescription charges
- Prescription prepayment certificates (PPCs) offer real savings for people who need extensive medication.
- When going abroad you can take your NHS medications with you.
- These charges apply in England only. In Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales prescriptions are free of charge.
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
You can treat lots of common illnesses and injuries at home – in fact, that’s the best place for you.
A big part of your recovery from these minor ailments like coughs and colds, grazes, minor strains and hangovers is to rest and drink plenty of fluids. You can plan ahead by stocking up on some healthcare essentials like:
- paracetamol or aspirin
- indigestion remedies
- plasters
- rehydration remedies
- a thermometer
You can find all these at your local pharmacy. Pharmacists give expert, confidential advice and treatment. There may be a very small wait but there is no need for an appointment. You can get advice about health issues and the best medicine for you.
Last year 8% of A&E visits could’ve been dealt with by a pharmacist. That means hundreds of thousands of people sat in A&E for hours when a nearby pharmacist could have seen them within minutes.
Many pharmacies also offer:
- The morning after pill, for free to eligible customers
- Allergy screening.
- Chlamydia screening.
- Medicine ‘MOTs’ – to help you use your treatments correctly.
- New medicine service – to help you understand how to use new treatments.
