Prescriptions
Repeat Prescriptions
You can ask for a repeat prescription by:
- Asking your local pharmacy to order on your behalf
- By calling in and leaving your prescription request at reception
- Using our on line facility (you need firstly to register at the surgery to use this service)
Please allow 48 hours for repeat prescriptions from the surgery and then a further 24 hours from the pharmacy. (Please advise whether you are collecting from surgery or pharmacy).
Ordering at the Surgery
If you are requesting your repeat prescriptions in the normal way please put your prescription slip, or a note with the items clearly written, in the prescription box in the waiting area. Please remember to tick all the items you require.
Please note the number of times you may ask for a repeat prescription before a review of your medication is indicated on the right hand side of the slip. If there is a message stating that you need a medication review please make an appointment for this review before ordering your next prescription.
If you request your prescription before 12.00 midday it will be ready within 2 working days. If your request is after 12.00 midday then the prescription will be ready within 48 hours.
Local chemists also operate a prescription delivery service. Please contact them for further information.
Electronic Repeat Dispensing
If you get regular or repeat prescriptions, you could save time by switching to electronic Repeat Dispensing (eRD).
eRD sends your prescriptions electronically from your GP surgery to a pharmacy of your choice. It’s easy to use and you don't need a computer or electronic device. Ask your GP or pharmacist to set it up for you.
eRD allows your GP to prescribe your regular medicines for up to a year. It’s reliable, secure and confidential. Your regular prescriptions are stored securely on the NHS database, so they'll be ready at the pharmacy each time you need them.
Using eRD you can:
- save time by avoiding unnecessary trips or calls to your GP every time you need to order a repeat prescription
- order or cancel your repeat prescriptions online (if your GP practice offers this service)
- pick up your repeat prescriptions directly from your pharmacy without having to visit your GP
- spend less time waiting for your prescription in the pharmacy or GP practice
- save paper – you won’t need a paper prescription to collect your medicine from the pharmacy
For more information about eRD and how it works, ask at your GP surgery or pharmacy, or visit the NHS website: www.nhs.uk/eRD
Not Registered for Online Services?
Prescription Fees
Help with NHS costs
In England, around 90% of prescription items are dispensed free. This includes exemptions from charging for those on low incomes, such as:
- those on specific benefits or through the NHS Low Income Scheme
- those who are age exempt
- those with certain medical conditions
- More information is available at NHS Choices
NHS Charges
These charges apply in England only. In Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales prescriptions are free of charge.
- Prescription (per item): £9.15
- 12-month prepayment certificate (PPC): £105.90
- 3-month PPC: £29.65
If you will have to pay for four or more prescription items in three months or more than 14 items in 12 months, you may find it cheaper to buy a PPC.
- Telephone advice and order line 0845 850 0030
- General Public - Buy or Renew a PPC On-line
There is further information about prescription exemptions and fees on the NHS website.
Request for antibiotics to take when on holiday
When prescribing any antibiotic, doctors are required to undertake a clinical assessment and document the clinical diagnosis (including symptoms). This is not feasible when you are away. Therefore, we are not able to prescribe antibiotics to take as stand by as the GP will not able to give advice nor make a clinical assessment. Without making an assessment it is not possible to assure whether the antibiotic would be safe, effective or appropriate. You are advised to seek medical opinion if you fall ill.
Health professionals have a medico-legal responsibility to prescribe antibiotics appropriately for both patient safety and to minimise the risk of antibiotic resistance.
Inappropriate use of antibiotics leads to antimicrobial resistance in individuals and the public.
The UK government considers the threat of antibiotic resistance as seriously as:
· a flu pandemic
· major flooding
Without action to address antibiotic resistance, doctors will lose the ability to treat infections. Routine operations could become deadly in just 20 years. (source gov.uk)