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
  • Using PATCHS to make your request – you will need to include the name and strength of the medication and the dosage

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

You can also:

  • Email your request to repeats.mchambers@nhs.net (we will need your name and address, full details of medication needed i.e. name and strength of medication)
  • Send a written request or order form in the post (enclose a stamped addressed envelope if you wish to have the prescription sent back to you)
  • Bring your written request/order form to the surgery with all your items required appropriately ticked on your repeat slip and post this through our letterbox as we have a collection basket which confidentially holds your prescriptions until this is emptied by the Pharmacist

We do not take repeat prescription requests over the phone.

Collecting your prescription

You can usually collect your prescription from the pharmacy 5 working days after you have ordered it.

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
  • At your GP practice
  • At any pharmacy that accepts repeat prescriptions

Electronic Prescription 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.

What does this mean for you?

If you collect your repeat prescriptions from your GP you will not have to visit your GP practice to pick up your paper prescription. Instead, your GP will send it electronically to the place you choose, saving you time.

You will have more choice about where to get your medicines from because they can be collected from a pharmacy near to where you live, work or shop.

You may not have to wait as long at the pharmacy as there will be time for your repeat prescriptions to be ready before you arrive.

Is this service right for you?

Yes, if you have a stable condition and you:

  • don’t want to go to your GP practice every time to collect your repeat prescription.
  • collect your medicines from the same place most of the time or use a prescription collection service now.

 It may not be if you:

  • don’t get prescriptions very often.
  • pick up your medicines from different places.

How can you use EPS?

You need to choose a place for your GP practice to electronically send your prescription to. This is called nomination. You can choose:

  • a pharmacy. a dispensing appliance contractor (if you use one).
  • your dispensing GP practice (if you are eligible).

Ask any pharmacy or dispensing appliance contractor that offers EPS or your GP practice to add your nomination for you. You don’t need a computer to do this.

Can I change my nomination or cancel it and get a paper prescription?

Yes you can. If you don’t want your prescription to be sent electronically tell your GP. If you want to change or cancel your nomination speak to any pharmacist or dispensing appliance contractor that offers EPS, or your GP practice. Tell them before your next prescription is due or your prescription may be sent to the wrong place.

Is EPS reliable, secure and confidential?

Yes. Your electronic prescription will be seen by the same people in GP practices, pharmacies and NHS prescription payment and fraud agencies that see your paper prescription now. Sometimes dispensers may see that you have nominated another dispenser. For example, if you forget who you have nominated and ask them to check or, if you have nominated more than one dispenser. Dispensers will also see all the items on your reorder slip if you are on repeat prescriptions.

For more information please visit the NHS Choices website.

Dispensary

The telephone line to the dispensary will be open from 10.30am – 11.30am and 4.30pm – 5.30pm Monday to Friday, as we do appreciate that some elderly and housebound patients will be unable to request their prescriptions other than by telephone. To assist, the telephone line 01376 553320 will be open during the above hours.

Please note: We are able to supply medication direct from our in-house dispensary for patients living in surrounding villages. Please ask at Dispensary if you are eligible and would like to sign up to collect all your prescription medication direct from us.  

Questions about your prescription

If you would like to speak to someone at the GP surgery about your prescription you can email repeats.dispensary@nhs.net or contact us via PATCHS and choose an admin event.  We will get back to you as soon as we can, if your query is more urgent then please contact Dispensary choosing option1 between the above hours.

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.

If you would like to speak to someone at the GP surgery about your prescription:

View your GP Health Record

The easiest way to view your GP Health record is online.  You can access through the NHS App, and print any copies of information you require.  You can also make a subject access record request by completing our subject access request form.

Medication reviews

If you have repeat prescriptions, you will need to have an appointment to discuss your medication, any side-effects etc.These may be carried out by a Doctor, Clinical Pharmacist, Registrar or Nurse Practitioner.

You will need to have an up to date blood pressure reading and also any blood tests you usually have annually before having your medication review.

Prescription charges

Find out more about prescription charges (nhs.uk).

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 consultation room where you can discuss issues with pharmacy staff without being overheard.