Prescriptions

1. Online using the link below

Contact us about your request – Accurx Patient Portal

2. In person at the surgery using a slip at our reception desk

3. Via the prescription query line between 10-11am

Please make sure all requests include the following information:

• The full name of the individual the request is for.
• The date of birth of the individual the request is for.
• The name of the medication.
• The dosage of the medication.

We aim to process all requests within 48 hours, if all the information above isn’t received this may delay your request. If you require an item more urgently, please call the prescription query line and make them aware of your urgent need.

Most patients can no longer ask a pharmacy to order their medication on their behalf. This is to reduce medication over-ordering which costs the NHS millions of pounds each year. This option is only available to those who are considered vulnerable and unable to order medications themselves.

If you think you need help ordering prescriptions please speak to the practice or pharmacy as soon as possible.

Please order your repeat prescriptions at least 48 working hours before these need to be sent to your pharmacy.  Requesting prescriptions at short notice can cause extra work for staff and clinicians and causes delays for other patients.

You need to allow extra time to process your prescription if the items you require are not on your repeat medication list as this often has to be approved by your GP. Please also allow time for the pharmacy to process your prescription once it has been sent by the GP practice.

Details of expected time-frames are shown below:

ALL prescriptions are now sent electronically which means there is no need to collect a paper prescription to obtain medication.

The Electronic Prescription Service (EPS) is an NHS service which allows your prescription to be sent immediately to a pharmacy without the need for a paper prescription to be handed in.

If you have nominated a Pharmacy to receive your prescriptions

• Your prescription will go straight to your nominated pharmacy as soon as it is signed off by the GP.
• 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.

If you have NOT nominated a Pharmacy to receive your prescriptions

• If you have regular medication, nominating a pharmacy is the best option;
• If you do not nominate a pharmacy you can collect your medication from any pharmacy in England;
• When you arrive at the pharmacy you will need to provide them with the printed token (obtained from your GP practice) or your NHS number;
• You will then have to wait for the Pharmacist to prepare your medication.

Where do I find my NHS Number?

• On the NHS App and Patient Access (if you have registered with the practice for online access and received a registration letter);
• Right hand side of your repeat prescription slip;
• Test results;
• Hospital referral letters;
• Appointment letters.
• Find Your NHS Number Online

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

If you want to change 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.

ALL prescriptions are now sent electronically.

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.

Private Prescriptions

A signed paper prescription will still be issued for private prescriptions. These cannot currently be sent by the electronic prescription service.

More information can be found at Electronic Prescription Service – NHS England Digital

What is Repeat Dispensing?

Repeat dispensing is:

• A pre-approved batch prescription for a defined time period;
• Can be set up as an electronic prescription sent to a nominated pharmacy or can be paper prescriptions which are sent to your pharmacy in advance

Do I qualify for Repeat Dispensing?

You probably qualify if you have a repeat prescription and

• are on stable therapy;
• have a well-managed and stable long term condition;
• have more than one medication;
• have most of your medication on repeat prescription;
• can appropriately self-manage seasonal conditions;
• or if it is appropriate for other reasons

What could it mean for me?

• Only having to order once every 6 or 12 months and not every month;
• Knowing in advance that your prescription is ready;
• Less hassle that can arise from ‘out of stock’ or partly fulfilled prescriptions as the community pharmacist knows well in advance what medications you require.

Duration of Repeat Dispensing

Repeat dispensing can be authorised for periods of up to 12 months but this decision will be made by your doctor after reviewing the medicines that you are taking.

How do I get set up for Repeat Dispensing?

Your doctor or the medicines management team at the practice may identify you as being suitable and may contact you directly or you can ask reception yourself if this is something you might be interested in.

Please bear in mind that it is not suitable for all patients and not all medicines can be authorised for repeat dispensing, for example drugs which require regular blood or other monitoring are not suitable.

If 70% or more of your prescription is suitable for repeat dispensing then it is likely to be of benefit to you.

How do I order prescriptions for someone else?

Please complete this form – Proxy ordering