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.
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 |
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 within hospital outpatient clinics should be dispensed by the hospital pharmacy except in the rare situations where the pharmacy does not stock the medicine. If this is the case, the prescription will be issued at the discretion of the doctor, and you will have to wait the standard three working days before collection.
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.
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 will be asked to consult with a pharmacist, a doctor or practice nurse at least once a year to review these regular medications. The notification date should appear on your repeat slip.
Please ensure that you book an appropriate appointment to avoid unnecessary delays to further prescriptions. If you have been advised by the surgery that your medication review is due, you will need to fill out our medication review form.
Please note that some medication reviews may not require a discussion with a GP or Pharmacist, so although an appointment may be booked, you may find you do not receive a call because the GP/Pharmacist is happy with your medication review form and requires no further input.
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.