Repeat prescriptions are medications which your doctor would like you to continue on a regular basis
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
- you can order using any device and the prescription will sent via the Electronic Prescribing Service (EPS) to your nominated pharmacy
- by setting up a repeat prescription order through your local pharmacist, who needs to be able to access the Electronic Prescribing Service (EPS) system. Please note, note all pharmacies do this, which introduces delay and possibility of errors. Wherever possible, we discourage using such pharmacies.
- the pharmacy will order medication for you and let you know when it is ready to pick up at the pharmacy. This is subject to your medication review being in date but your pharmacist will have details of this when they receive your prescription from us
These accounts show you all your repeat medicine and dosage and you can choose the ones you need.
You can also:
- fill out a repeat prescriptions request form
Any requests for medication must only be for those items which are designated as ‘repeat’. We do not take repeat prescription requests over the phone.
You should ensure that you have enough medication at all times, especially when going on holiday, or during public holidays. We do not accept medication requests from patients currently abroad. Please seek medical advice locally.
Requesting antidepressants
As a practice, we strongly believe antidepressant medication needs regular reviews. After feeling well for 6 months or so, it may be appropriate to wean off medication. Whilst some surgeries are happy to add these drugs to repeat medication lists, we prefer to review patients.
Recently, we have introduced a system where stable patients who do not feel they need an appointment can fill in an online questionnaire and depression assessment tool (called a ‘PHQ-9‘) to aid us in our decision regarding continuing a prescription for antidepressants.
Once this is submitted, it is looked at by the clinical team and leads to either an issue of the prescription, a telephone consultation, or a request to see the patient face-to-face.
We hope this will improve patient care and overall prescribing safety.
Collecting your prescription
We will endeavour to clear all prescription requests within 48 working hours.
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
- fill out a nominate a pharmacy form
- at any pharmacy that accepts repeat prescriptions
Many pharmacies offer a delivery and collection service. Speak to your preferred pharmacy directly for details.
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, as can our in-house pharmacy team, who conduct medication reviews and drug monitoring for patients.
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
All patients on repeat medication should see their doctor or our in-house pharmacist at least once a year for a medication review. This date is displayed on your medication screen.
Prescription charges
Find out more about prescription charges.
What to do with old medicines
Take it to the pharmacy you got it from for disposal. Do not put it in your household bin or flush it down the toilet.
Private prescriptions
A private prescription is different to an NHS prescription. For information on how to obtain medicine prescribed after a private consultation, please click here.