Prescriptions

Ordering repeat prescriptions

To order your repeat medication you can do so by using the following ways :

• using the NHS website or the NHS App at any time
• using our online system
• completing an order form at the reception desk

The online app will show you all your repeat medicine and dosage and you can choose the ones you need.

You can also bring the paper form to the surgery during our opening hours.

We do not take repeat prescription requests via email or telephone.

Collecting your prescription

You can usually collect your prescription from the pharmacy 3 to 5 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
• at your GP practice
• 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 phone us on 01482 862 733 during our opening hours.

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 about prescription charges on the NHS website.

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.

You can find a pharmacy on the NHS website.

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 pharmacy staff without being overheard.

Prescribing for patients living or travelling abroad treating people visiting the UK

This guidance provides prescribers with information to consider when prescribing for patients traveling abroad and for visitors to the UK seeking medical treatment.
Prescribers are reminded that they are responsible for the decisions and actions they take when prescriptions are issued and signed and, therefore they must be able to justify their actions when prescribing, for people travelling abroad or for those visiting the UK.

Prescribing for patients living or travelling abroad

The NHS accepts responsibility for supplying ongoing medication for the treatment of existing long term conditions for up to three months when a patient travels abroad.
– If a person is going to be abroad for more than three months then only a sufficient supply of his/her regular medication should be provided to enable them to get to the destination and find an alternative supply.
– NHS prescriptions must not be obtained by relatives or friends on behalf of patients who are currently abroad.
– Patients are responsible for ensuring that any drugs they take into a country conform to local laws.
– If a patient is travelling abroad for longer than 3 months, they are expected to arrange for alternative access to care and supply of medication at their destination.
– By law, the NHS ceases to have responsibility for the medical care of patients when they leave the UK.
– For patients who will be out of the country for less than 3 months, it is reasonable to provide sufficient medicines for existing conditions.
– Patients out of the country for more than 3 months should be advised to register with a doctor in the country they are visiting/residing for their on-going medical needs.

Prescribing for people visiting the UK

Anyone, regardless of nationality, residency or immigration status, may register and consult with a GP without charge. Practices can only refuse to register a patient if they have “reasonable grounds” to do so and any decision must not be discriminatory.
– Practices are also obliged to provide immediately necessary treatment to any patient in their area for up to 14 days.
– GPs should treat the patient in the same way as they would any other when making a referral to secondary care or elsewhere and refer whenever clinically appropriate – irrespective of the patient’s potential chargeable status.
– Patients should be registered as temporary if they intend to reside in the practice area for more than one day but less than three months