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
- use the eConsult service
These accounts show you all your repeat medicine and dosage and you can choose the ones you need.
You can also:
- contact your local pharmacy order and collect service
- visit the surgery or post your request to the surgery
- please include your full name, address and date of birth, and details of the items required. You can use the request slip attached to the back of your last prescription. If you would like us to post your prescription back to you, please enclose a stamped self addressed envelope
We do not take repeat prescription requests over the phone or email. This is in line with current recommended good practice and helps to avoid errors.
Collecting your prescription
Please allow as long as possible for us to process your repeat prescription request, we recommend a week. We aim to turn all requests around in 2 working days.
You can collect your prescription from reception, or you may be able to arrange for your local pharmacy to collect it for you, most local pharmacists offer a script collection service. Please ask your local pharmacy for more information about this service. You can sign up for this service through the surgery reception desk.
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
If we are not able to produce your prescription within this time, there may be a problem with your medication and the prescribing doctor may not always be available that day.
Sometimes we may need to see you before we can re-authorise another repeat prescription for you. This may be indicated on the right hand page of your prescription.
Remember to order your repeat prescription before you run out of your medication and to plan ahead when you are going on holiday to order in plenty of time.
Exceptionally we can make special arrangements for an urgent prescription to be issued. This should only be used when events beyond your control have prevented you from ordering in time.
Air Balloon pharmacy
Air Balloon pharmacy is attached to the surgery. Although we work closely together, it is a separate organisation from the surgery. There are many services that the pharmacy and other pharmacies in the area, can offer patients. Services include ordering repeat prescriptions on behalf of patients straight from the surgery, picking up prescriptions and arranging dispensing and delivery of prescriptions. Ask at your local pharmacy.
Emergency prescriptions
If you run out of a prescribed medicine outside your GPs opening hours and need medication urgently, community pharmacies can get you an emergency supply quickly (please see the ‘Run out of your medicines?’ leaflet (PDF), even if you’re away from home. Please avoid using A&E to obtain medicines that you have run out of. Our A&E departments are intended for life threatening emergencies only.
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.
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
View the cost of prescriptions and whether you are entitled to free prescriptions by visiting 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.
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.