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: SystmOnline

These accounts show you all your repeat medicine and dosage and you can choose the ones you need.

We do not take repeat prescription requests over the phone or email.

All prescriptions are now on computer, and with every repeat prescription issued there is a tear off slip on the right hand side of each prescription which has your name, address, NHS number and a list of drugs prescribed. Please tick off the items you require. If you have lost your slip, we can provide a replacement.

Collecting your prescription

Information:

Prescription requests are processed within 3 working days of submitting your request. If your prescription is not on repeat, this can take up to 5 working days.

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:

It is your responsibility to ensure that you order your repeat prescriptions in good time. Please note that your pharmacy may also have a necessary time period to prepare your prescription; please check this with your pharmacy.

If you wish a friend/family member to collect prescriptions for you, you may need proof of identity.

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:

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 (nhs.uk).

You can also find out if you are entitled to free prescriptions.

What to do with old medicines

Take it to the pharmacy you got it from. Do not bring it in to the surgery or 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 (nhs.uk)

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.

Pharmacy First

Pharmacy First is a new service launched in January 2024 that enables community pharmacies to supply prescription only medicines for 7 common conditions without a GP appointment. Please see this link for more information.

Information:

NHS: Pharmacy First

Electronic prescriptions

Since our upgrade to the fourth phase of the electronic prescription service (EPS4), all our prescriptions are processed electronically. This helps to save the NHS money in paper and ink and prevents unnecessary footfall at the surgery. Your pharmacy can access your prescription using your NHS number or your prescription code.

Read more about EPS on the NHS website.

If you have regular prescriptions, most patients may opt to have them automated for up to one year. This is called electronic repeat dispensing (eRD).

The electronic prescription service (EPS) is a NHS service that allows us to send your prescription(s) directly to your chosen pharmacy. This paper free prescription service means that you do not have to come into the surgery to collect your prescription.

We encourage all patients to register for this free service.