Prescriptions

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Ordering prescriptions online

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Repeat Prescription Requests

Changes to Repeat Prescriptions Ordered from 3rd March 2025

From 3rd March 2025, we are making important changes to how repeat prescriptions are ordered. Going forward, we will no longer accept prescription requests via email, and pharmacies will no longer be able to order prescriptions on your behalf.

What does this mean for you?

If you request your prescription directly from the surgery, nothing will change, and your dispensing and delivery arrangements will remain unaffected. However, we will no longer process prescription requests via email after this date. To help reduce administrative steps and ensure your prescription reaches your GP’s inbox directly, we are introducing the following approved methods for ordering repeat prescriptions:

  1. Online Ordering via the NHS App: If you haven't already set this up, visit www.nhs.uk/nhs-app/ to download the NHS App and create your NHS account. Carers can request proxy access on the NHS App to order repeat medications on behalf of the person they care for.
  2. Online Ordering via Patient Access: Log in to your Patient Access account to order your repeat prescription.
  3. Prescription Request Slip: Use the request slip located on the right-hand side of your repeat prescription and drop it off at the surgery’s prescription drop box (located outside the surgery door). You can ask your pharmacy for this request slip.

Please note: When ordering medication online, please ensure that only medication-related requests are included in your notes. Any other requests, such as appointment bookings or discussions about your health, will not be processed. For appointments or medical concerns, please contact the surgery directly using the usual methods, so we can assist you in the appropriate way.

Why is this happening?

We’ve received feedback from patients and healthcare professionals about concerns over medicine waste and the current prescription system. After reviewing the system, we found that when patients order their own prescriptions, it helps reduce waste, ensures medicines are correctly prescribed, and gives patients greater control over their medication.

Ordering directly from the surgery also eliminates unnecessary administrative steps and potential errors, benefiting both patients and healthcare providers. Over-ordering medications costs the NHS hundreds of millions of pounds each year, and we believe this money should be used to provide essential health services.

Things to Consider When Ordering Medication:

  • Allow enough time: Please remember to allow 5 working days for processing and allow an additional 2-3 working days for your prescription to be dispensed by your pharmacy.
  • Order in advance: You can request prescriptions up to 10 working days in advance.
  • Order what you need: Only order the medications you need regularly, and please note that GP practices can prescribe up to 56 days' supply for eligible medications, which may mean you only need to order your medication once every 8 weeks.

We will not process prescription requests if our records show you have more than a 2-week supply of medication remaining, unless there is a specific reason for requesting it earlier. For medications that are taken ‘when required’ (e.g., pain relief), please only order more if you need a further supply.

What Happens After Ordering?

Once your prescription is ordered, the process remains the same. Your prescription will be sent to your nominated pharmacy. You can use the NHS App to track your request, see when it is approved, and change your nominated pharmacy if needed. If you haven’t nominated a pharmacy, the NHS App will generate a barcode that you can take to any pharmacy of your choice.

For more details, see: Request or View Prescriptions – NHS App Help

prescription

Hospital Provided Prescriptions Following a Hospital Stay or Routine Out-Patients Appointment

Please note that any urgent medication will be prescribed and provided by the hospital.

Non-urgent medication: Your hospital may send us a request for a prescription recommendation.  If your GP approves the request, please allow up to 10 working days for processing.  Your hospital doctor is aware of this timeframe.

Urgent medication: Your hospital doctor will issue the prescription during your visit.  They can prescribe for the hospital pharmacy or as an FP10 prescription for any community pharmacy.  If you are unable to have your medication dispensed at the hospital pharmacy, please ask your hospital doctor for an FP10 prescription to take to your community pharmacy.  Your GP will not initiate urgent prescriptions. 

Please be sure to discuss any urgent medication needs with your healthcare team during your hospital visit.

Annual Review Process for Long-Term Condition Management

If you have a long-term condition, you will first be invited to a face-to-face pre-annual review appointment around your birthdate. This appointment helps us review your results and prepare for the next step. You will then be invited to a second appointment (either face to face or telephone) for your annual long-term condition and medication review with a nurse, pharmacist, or GP. This review ensures that your medications are prescribed appropriately, optimised, and are safe. You will receive up to two reminders for both appointments. If you do not book or attend these appointments, your GP will be informed and may reduce your medication supply to a two-weekly basis. This is done for patient safety and will be reversed once the annual review is completed.

When Medication is in Short Supply

When medication is in short supply nationally, we have received requests from some patients for increased volumes.  Unfortunately we are not able to comply with this as it compounds the problem and risks leaving a larger number of patients without any medication.  If you are unable to obtain your medication, please ask your community pharmacy if they can source an alternative and let us know.  You can also ask your community pharmacy for the 'EPS code' for your prescription and take this to another community pharmacy who are able to source your medication.  Where there are supply issues, we may be able to prescribe a direct alternative, however, where we cannot, you may require a review of your clinical condition and treatment with a clinician.

Prescription Fees

Help with NHS costs

In England, around 90% of prescription items are dispensed free. This includes exemptions from charging for those on low incomes, 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

NHS Charges

These charges apply in England only. In Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales prescriptions are free of charge.

  • Prescription (per item): £9.90
  • 12-month prepayment certificate (PPC): £114.50
  • 3-month PPC: £32.05
  • 12-month prepayment certificate (PPC) for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) only is £19.80

If you will have to pay for four or more prescription items in three months or more than 14 items in 12 months, you may find it cheaper to buy a PPC.

  • Telephone advice and order line 0845 850 0030
  • General Public - Buy or Renew a PPC On-line

There is further information about prescription exemptions and fees on the NHS website.

Private Prescriptions

As an NHS patient registered with us you will normally receive NHS prescriptions.

There are some exceptional circumstances when this is not the case and a private prescription will instead be issued.  Note: there may be a charge for writing the prescription at the surgery.  The cost of the medication is also met wholly by the patient and is paid to the pharmacy. 

Prescriptions required for travel will be private.  However, a supply of your normal medication to cover you for a holiday lasting up to 3 months is covered by the NHS.

If you have been given a private prescription by a consultant this will not automatically be converted to an NHS prescription for you.  A prescription is a legal document and the doctor signing it is responsible for the treatment.

Over the Counter Medications

GP practices have been requested not to prescribe medicines for minor ailments since these items are available over the counter.  Note: this applies to all patients including those who do not pay prescription charges.

Your local pharmacists are trained professionals who can help you select the best treatment for your problem and will also advise if they feel a GP visit is more appropriate.

The list of ailments is quite long but the most common ones include coughs and colds, conjunctivitis, cradle cap, dry/sore eyes, bites and stings, hayfever, athlete's foot/ringworm, travel sickness and minor aches and pains.