Patient Access
Other Ways to Order Your Prescriptions
- In Person:
Return the counterfoil of the prescription document clearly marking with a tick the medication you require to reception. A box is provided in reception to enable you to deliver your prescription without having to wait. - By Post:
Post the counterfoil of the prescription document clearly marking with a tick the medication you require to the surgery, enclosing a stamped self-addressed envelope. If posting please remember to give at least one weeks notice for a first class stamp and longer if using second class. - NHS APP: You can request medications from the NHS App (or another provider App). These will be received directly by the practice and can be processed more efficiently. More information is available here.
- Chemist:
From 8th September 2025 you will no longer be able to order your prescriptions through your chemist – see the article below
In the interests of safety, we do not accept requests by telephone.
The way you order your repeat prescriptions is changing
From 8th September 2025 all patients, who are able to do so will need to request their own medication directly from your GP practice – instead of your local pharmacy doing this for you.
Ordering online is the safest and easiest way to order your regular medicines, which you can do via the NHS App. The NHS App can be downloaded for free to your mobile phone via the Apple App Store or Google Play.
You can find out more about the app at www.nhs.uk/nhs-app. Alternatively, you can set up an NHS account and log in at www.nhs.uk/nhs-app/account if you do not have a smartphone, or would prefer not to download an app.
If you’re not able to order online, you can fill in the slip with your paper prescription and take it to your GP practice or complete a request form from the reception area in the practice.
Ordering your own prescriptions puts you in control. By only ordering the medicines you need, you can help to reduce waste and save money that can be spent on other NHS services. Plus, it’s quicker and easier to sort out any problems or get an answer to any queries because you’re dealing directly with your GP practice.
We realise that some patients may have difficulties ordering their own repeat prescriptions and we are working with pharmacies to identify these patients. In some cases, this may mean that the pharmacy continues to order on your behalf, or you can consent to someone accessing online services as your nominated representative. If you would like to order your repeat prescriptions online but you’re struggling to set up the NHS App, you can contact your GP practice or local pharmacy for advice and support.
What do I do now?
• Make sure you know how you can order your own medications before 5th September.
• Download the NHS App and set up online prescription ordering.
• Let us know if you, or someone you care about, may struggle to order their own prescriptions.
You can use this link for more information about the nhs app – https://youtu.be/Ytv0xIvnC8Y
If you already order your repeat prescriptions online, via the NHS App or another online platform used by your GP practice, these changes will not affect you.
When will my Prescription be ready?
DUE TO INCREASED DEMAND THE WAIT TIME FOR PRECRIPTIONS IS NOW UPTO FIVE WORKING DAYS. Therefore the ready time will increase by two working days from the usual 3 working days, eg. Monday requested will be ready the following Monday.
| Request Received before 11am | Script Ready after 2pm |
|---|---|
| Monday | Monday (week after) |
| Tuesday | Tuesday (week after) |
| Wednesday | Wednesday (week after) |
| Thursday | Thursday (week after) |
| Friday | Friday (week after) |
| Saturday or Sunday | Monday (2 weeks after) |
Please request repeat prescriptions well in advance of public holidays, etc.
For those that request their prescription be sent to a local pharmacy then the time will be dependant on that pharmacy. Please contact the relevant pharmacy for an indication of the timescale.
Collection Points
Patients can either collect their prescription from the surgery or a chemist of their choice.
In order for prescriptions to be collected from a chemist, patients need to register at their chemist of choice for the ‘Prescription Collection Service’. Once the Chemist has agreed to collection on your behalf, Patients then need to instruct the Practice which must be in writing – forms are available from most chemists.
Electronic Prescriptions Service
The Electronic Prescription Service (EPS) is an NHS service. It gives you the chance to change how your GP sends your prescription to the place you choose to get your medicines or appliances from.
Good Medication Management is Important
Please preempt ordering prescriptions to avoid medication running out.
If you are given 56 days of tablets and you have 7 days left, order your new prescription. In the case of any emergency your regular pharmacist will give you a couple of tablets until you get your new prescription.
If you are going on holiday you should take a list of your medication with you. In case you have a problem Ensure you have enough medication to cover your holiday. Some countries also need a doctor’s letter to explain the medication. Check with your travel agent.
If you have elderly relatives ensure that they have an adequate supply of their medication. Dossette boxes/blister packs can be arranged if they have a large amount of medication to take.
Medication Review
You can expect to be called for a medication review at regular intervals in relation to repeat prescriptions.
Useful Information
Each drug has two names, the generic and the brand name. Where possible we use the generic name because this is usually much cheaper for the health service. Due to this, you may notice a change in colour, shape or size of your drug. Do not be concerned by this, you are still receiving the same drug of the same quality, it is only the appearance that has altered.
Please book your medications review appointment at least 10 days before your medication runs out.
Prescription Charges and Exemptions
The NHS prescription charge is a flat rate amount which successive Governments have thought it reasonable to charge for those who can’t afford to pay for their medicines. Prescription prepayment certificates (PPCs) offer real savings for people who need a lot of medication.