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: Patient Access
• in person at the dispensary hatch or drop your repeat prescription card in the request box within the conservatory
• by sending your request in via Royal Mail or posting through the letterbox at the front of the building.

Dispensing information

• Your online repeat prescription order will take the normal 5 working days to be ready from when your order is placed. (This is excluding weekends and bank holidays)
• The dispensary is open from 8:30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. The dispensary will be closed daily between 1pm and 3pm
• We would be grateful if you could routinely collect your medication outside of these times
• Our usual five working day prescription request policy applies
• Unfortunately we can only dispense to patients that live more than a mile away from a community pharmacy
• The dispensary staff are always willing to help with any queries patients have with their medication. If they are unable to answer your query they will refer it to a doctor or our clinical pharmacist
• There are four qualified dispensers all registered with the Association of Pharmacy Technicians and accredited by the Dispensers Doctors Association
• The desk is manned by dispensary clerks
• The dispensary has accuracy checking devices to ensure the safe delivery of your medication

Thank you for your understanding as we work hard to improve our patient experience.

Urgent prescriptions

Urgent prescriptions put a huge strain on the whole surgery team, including reception staff, prescription clerks and the prescribing team. In order to help patients order prescriptions in a way that allows a better experience for both patients and staff we have implemented an urgent prescriptions policy.

The most appropriate way for computer literate patients to order medication is via:

• using your NHS account (through the NHS website or in the NHS App)
• using the GP online system: Patient Access

For all patients we aim to have prescriptions completed within 5 full working days from receipt of receiving a request.

Our staff will help all patients wherever possible to fulfil repeat orders, however if they feel your prescription is clinically not urgent, you may be asked to come back in 5 full working days.

Collecting your prescription

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 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.

Go to Medicines A to Z

If you would like to speak to someone at the GP surgery about your prescription:

• using the Accurx service
• phone us on 01579 343133

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.

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.

Find a pharmacy

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.