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
- via askmyGP
- requesting a repeat prescription through your local pharmacy order and collect service
- in person or by post
If you require regular medication your doctor will issue you with a repeat prescription. You can request repeat medication by ticking the repeat medication and dropping it into the surgery or sending it by post with a stamped addressed envelope if you are unable to collect the prescription yourself.
If you have run out of repeat medication, you can speak to a pharmacy who will be able to issue a short emergency supply (exclusions – if you are on daily or weekly prescriptions, repeat dispensing, certain controlled drugs or antibiotics). Alternatively you can contact 111 and choose the option for emergency prescription.
Collecting your prescription
Please allow 3 working days for prescriptions to be processed by the surgery before collection.
If your prescription is sent to a pharmacy please allow an additional 24 hours before collection.
| Day ordered | Day and times to collect |
|---|---|
| Monday | Thursday after 4pm |
| Tuesday | Friday after 4pm |
| Wednesday | Monday after 4pm |
| Thursday | Tuesday after 4pm |
| Friday | Wednesday after 4pm |
| Saturday | Thursday after 4pm |
| Sunday | Thursday after 4pm |
When to collect your prescription based on the day you ordered
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 any pharmacy that accepts repeat prescriptions
Going abroad
Patients who are going abroad for more than one month may be provided with a FP10 prescription which covers the period of travel, up to a maximum of 3 months, provided that treatment does not need to be reviewed by the GP at more frequent intervals.
Travellers who are for abroad longer periods cease to be a NHS patient once they have been out of the country for more than 3 months. It is expected that such patients will obtain medical attention and supplies of any drugs they require in the country they are visiting.
If a patient going abroad for more than 3 months and is travelling to a remote area where drugs are likely to be unobtainable, the GP may provide the patient with a private prescription to cover the duration of travel beyond the first 3 months.
The full cost of the drugs will be payable by the patient on a private prescription.
On discharge from hospital
The hospital will send a discharge notification to the practice advising us of the medications you have been given to come home with (usually 14 days) and any changes to your repeat medication. We update your medication record as soon as we receive written information from the hospital clinics/inpatient admissions.
Prescriptions issued during hospital outpatient appointments should be dispensed by the hospital pharmacy, except in rare cases where the hospital pharmacy does not stock the required medication.
If the hospital deems your medication to be urgent, they will arrange for it to be dispensed directly by the hospital pharmacy.
In non-urgent cases where the medication is unavailable at the hospital pharmacy, a prescription may be issued by your GP at the discretion of the doctor. Please note that this process can take up to 10 working days from the date the practice receives the hospital’s letter, to allow time for review and processing.
We appreciate your patience and understanding.
When you need more medication you can request it with your repeat slip. If your repeat slip is not up to date, you can request your new medication by writing it on the bottom of the slip or via AskMyGP using the Repeat Medication custom button.
Questions about your prescription
If you have questions about your medicine, your local pharmacists can answer these. They can also answer questions on medicines you can buy without a prescription.
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.
Medication reviews
Patients on repeat medication may be asked to have a review with a pharmacist, doctor, or practice nurse at least once a year. This is to ensure your medications remain safe and effective. The due date for your review should appear on your repeat prescription slip.
Please continue to request your medication as usual. As part of your routine medication review, the Practice may send you a questionnaire via text for you to complete. In some cases, we may also request blood tests, which are necessary to ensure your medication remains safe and effective.
If blood monitoring is required, a short supply of medication will be issued to allow you time to book a test with the Phlebotomy Service at Ipswich or Colchester Hospital, or at Ravenswood Phlebotomy Clinic.
We kindly ask that you respond as soon as possible to any requests, to avoid delays to your future prescriptions.
If you are unable to complete the questionnaire online, please call the surgery, and a member of our team can go through it with you over the phone.
Completing this questionnaire is important, as it helps your doctor review your medication and avoid unnecessary delays to future prescriptions.
Please note:
- Some medication reviews may not require a follow-up appointment, if the clinician is satisfied with your responses.
- If a further discussion is needed, a short supply of your medication will be issued to allow time for an appointment to be arranged.
Thank you for your cooperation in keeping your medication up to date.
Prescription charges
Find out more about prescription charges.
What to do with old medicines
Take it to the pharmacy you got it from. 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 room where you can discuss issues with pharmacy staff.