Repeat Prescriptions

Patients who are on regular medication do not always need to see a doctor to obtain a repeat prescription.

We ask that all patients nominate a local pharmacy so that prescriptions may be sent electronically via the electronic prescription service (EPS) wherever possible.

Repeat Prescriptions can be requested in the following ways:

• Online via patient access (see details below)

• Prescription counterfoil - by marking the items you need and leave in the post box to the left of the surgery doors (please do not use highlighter pens)

• By post with a stamped self-addressed envelope

• By fax (01923 840534)

Kindly include the following information:

                Full Name

                Date of birth

                Items and quantities you require

Please allow 3 working days for your prescription to be processed, but please do not order more than 7 days before the medication is due.

N.B Prescription requests that need to be queried with a doctor may take longer. 

Prescriptions may be collected from the surgery between 8.30am–6.30pm Mon-Fri.

Sharmans, Boots, Carters, Loomrose and Ross pharmacies also operate a collection service from the practice.

Online Repeat Prescriptions

We encourage patients to use this service wherever possible as it enables you to be in control of ordering your medication and you can see at a glance when your medications are due.

Go to the tab ‘Online Access’ for full details.

You cannot access this system until you are given registration details from the Practice.

Once you have your unique pin number you must access the web site to create your individual account and password. Once set up, just click on the link at the top of this page where you can access the online system.

Medication Reviews/Monitoring

Patients on repeat medication may be asked to see a doctor, nurse practitioner or practice nurse to review these regular medications and notification should appear on your repeat slip.

Please ensure that you book an appropriate appointment to avoid unnecessary delays to further prescriptions.

Certain medications also require monitoring blood/urine tests. Please ensure these are done in a timely manner when requested.

Prescriptions Charges and Exemptions

Extensive exemption and remission arrangements protect those likely to have difficulty in paying charges (NHS prescription and dental charges, optical and hospital travel costs).

The NHS prescription charge is a flat-rate amount which successive Governments have thought it reasonable to charge for those who can afford to pay for their medicines. Prescription prepayment certificates (PPCs) offer real savings for people who need extensive medication.

NHS Charges

These charges apply in England only. In Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales prescriptions are free of charge.

• Prescription (per item): £9.65

Save money with a prescription prepayment certificate (PPC)

If you know you'll have to pay for a lot of NHS prescriptions, it may be cheaper to buy a prescription prepayment certificate (PPC) – effectively a prescription "season ticket". A PPC covers all your NHS prescriptions, including NHS dental prescriptions, no matter how many items you need.

• The 3-month PPC costs £31.25 and will save you money if you need more than 3 prescribed items in 3 months

• The 12-month PPC costs £111.60 and will save you money if you need more than 11 prescribed items in a year

It’s quickest to - Buy or Renew a PPC On-line

If you prefer talking to someone, you can call the PPC order line on 0300 330 1341.

Check if you're entitled to free prescriptions before you apply for a PPC  

There is further information about prescription exemptions and fees on the NHS website

If you prefer talking to someone, you can call the PPC order line on 0300 330 1341.

Private/Secondary Care Prescriptions

If a patient has been seen privately or in secondary care and is given a prescription, is it acceptable for them to come to their GP and ask for it to be converted to an FP10?

If patients are being seen as an NHS patient in a private facility they should be provided with NHS prescriptions by the clinician responsible for their care.

Once a GP receives a letter from a private or secondary care consultant advising/suggesting a course of action, then it may be appropriate for a script to be issued on an FP10 if the GP agrees with the advice. The prescriber takes clinical responsibility for monitoring so the GP must ensure that they are able to accept this responsibility. 

Please note, a private prescription must be accompanied with a letter from the consultant/clinician before it can be considered to convert to an FP10 NHS prescription.

Over the Counter Medication

Prescribing of over the counter (OTC) medications is changing

Your GP, nurse or pharmacist will not generally give you a prescription for OTC medicines for a range of minor health concerns.

Instead, OTC medicines are available to buy in a pharmacy or supermarket in your local community.

The team of health professionals at your local pharmacy can offer help and clinical advice to manage minor health concerns and if your symptoms suggest it’s more serious, they’ll ensure you get the care you need.

You can find out more information about these changes here:

www.nhs.uk/OTCmedicines

Why are we making these changes?

• To free up GP time for more complex patient care
• To reduce waste with repeat prescriptions
• To encourage people to self-care with support from their local chemist
• Because many products are widely available in high street stores and are cheaper to purchase than via the NHS
• To keep waiting lists as short as possible.

Please help the NHS to use resources sensibly

Prescription Online Access

Repeat prescriptions may be ordered online once access has been granted.  The GP online service also allows for access to certain medical records such as blood test results and to book appointments.

Applying for the service is quick and easy:

• Complete the one-page Registration Form

• Bring the completed form to the surgery with some form of photo identity (e.g. driving licence, passport)

• The receptionist will provide you with your login details and password

• Access the website using the details provided to create your own account and password. This must be done within 10 days even if you don’t need to use the service immediately

Proxy Access may also be granted for relatives and/or carers.

Please ensure you read the patient information leaflet and procedure before applying for the service.   Forms and information leaflets are available from reception or may be downloaded here:

Downloadable forms for Patient Online Access Below

Patient Online Registration Form

Patient Online Registration Form

Patient Information Leaflet 

Patient Information Leaflet

Procedure For Patient Online Access

Procedure For Patient Online Access

Consent to Proxy Access to GP Online Services

Consent to Proxy Access Form

Electronic Prescription Service

The Electronic Prescription Service (EPS) is an NHS service.

Most prescriptions are now signed, sent and processed electronically.

What does this mean for you? 

You can choose a pharmacy to dispense all your prescriptions.  When you get a prescription, it will be sent electronically to the dispenser you have chosen.  You can collect your medicines or appliances without having to collect and hand in a paper prescription.  

This means you may not have to wait as long at the pharmacy as there will be time for your
prescriptions to be ready before you arrive, saving you time. 

Paper prescriptions (FP10) will still be issued in some circumstances.

You will still need to order your prescriptions in the usual way.

Choosing a pharmacy or other dispenser

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 (for routine medications)
• a dispensing appliance contractor (if you use one, for specialist supplies, such as stoma and catheter appliances)

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. 

Cancelling or changing your choice of pharmacist or dispenser

You can change or cancel your choice of dispenser at any time.  Simply speak to your GP or pharmacist before you order your next prescription.

You should allow time for the update to take place to avoid your next prescription being 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.