Repeat Prescriptions

We run a computerised system to issue repeat prescriptions which have already been agreed with your doctor.


Other Ways to Order Your Prescriptions

  1. In Person:
    Please put your repeat prescription slip in the post box at the back of Reception.
  2. Chemist:
    Some of the local chemists also offer a collection service for the surgery. Prescription Collection Points.

When will my Prescription be ready?

Prescriptions will be ready for collection in four working days if you will be picking the prescription up from the Surgery.

Prescriptions are only processed on weekdays between 9am and 5pm

Request ReceivedScript Ready By
Monday before 4.30pmFriday after 3pm
Tuesday before 4.30pmMonday after 3pm
Wednesday before 4.30pmTuesday after 3pm
Thursday before 4.30pmWednesday after 3pm
Friday before 4.30pmThursday after 3pm

REMEMBER any prescription request received by the practice over a weekend will not be ready to collect or sent to the pharmacy until after 3pm on a Thursday.

If received over a Bank Holiday weekend it will not be processed until the following working day.

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 Repeat Dispensing

If you or someone you care for uses the same medicines regularly, you may be able to benefit from electronic repeat prescriptions. This means you won’t have to reorder or collect your repeat prescriptions from your GP practice every time you need more medicine.

Step 1

Talk to your GP or the person who prescribes your medicines and ask them if you can use electronic repeat prescriptions. Your prescriber will usually be your doctor or practice nurse.

If your prescriber thinks that you could use electronic repeat prescriptions for your regular medicines, they will ask you for permission to share information about your treatment with your pharmacist. This will help your pharmacist to give your prescriber feedback about your treatment and provide you with useful advice.

Your GP or prescriber will then authorise a number of electronic repeat prescriptions. This will be based on your circumstances and clinical need. These electronic repeat prescriptions will then be supplied to you by your pharmacy at regular intervals.

Step 2

Collect your first electronic repeat prescription from your pharmacy.

Step 3

When you need more medicines, go back to your pharmacy. Before dispensing the next issue of your prescription, your pharmacy will ask:

  • have you seen any health professionals (GP, nurse or hospital doctor), since your last repeat prescription was supplied?
  • have you recently started taking any new medicines – either on prescription or that you have bought over the counter?
  • have you been having any problems with your medication or experiencing any side effects?
  • are there any items on your repeat prescription that you don’t need this month?

If you don’t need all of the medicines on your prescription, let the pharmacy staff know, so that they only supply the medicines you need. This will help to reduce waste and save the NHS money.

Step 4

When your pharmacy supplies your final electronic repeat prescription in the series that your GP has authorised, they will advise you to contact your GP practice. Your doctor or practice nurse may want to see you to review your medication before they will authorise more electronic repeat prescriptions.


Prescriptions Synchronization

If you are collecting repeat medications several times a month you may benefit from synchronising your prescriptions to bring them all in line so you can collect them all at the same time. Please complete a Prescriptions Synchronisation Form and we will try and assist you where possible.


Useful Information

Repeat Prescription requests are not accepted over the telephone as this can lead to errors.

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.