Patients on regular long-term medication will be given a repeat prescription slip detailing their medicines. This slip is needed for repeat prescriptions requests. Our dispensary staff will explain how to use it.
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
These accounts show you all your repeat medicine and dosage and you can choose the ones you need.
We do not take repeat prescription requests over the phone or email.
Urgent repeat medicines service
This service can be used when a patient needs an urgent prescription for a supply of their normal prescribed medicines when these have run out.
Instead of going to the out of hours GP service or hospital emergency department, the patient can go to a community pharmacy and collect their medicines. The usual prescription fees or exemption from fees will apply.
Patients on holiday and temporary residents can also use this service both in hours and out of hours – to save having to make an appointment to see a GP locally where they are staying.
Pharmacies are obliged to inform the patient’s GP surgery of the prescriptions within 7 days.
Collecting your prescription
You can usually collect your prescription 3 working days after you have ordered it.
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
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.
Go to Medicines A to Z (nhs.uk)
If you would like to speak to someone at the GP surgery about your prescription:
- fill out an ask a prescription question form
Medication reviews
If you have a repeat prescription, we may ask you to come in for a regular review. We will be in touch when you need to come in for a review.
Prescription charges
Find out more about prescription charges (nhs.uk).
You can also find out if you are entitled to free prescriptions.
Medication waste reduction and safe disposal
Check your medicines before you leave the pharmacy. If you find unwanted medicines before you leave the building, they can be returned and issued to someone else. If they are taken home before being returned, they have to be destroyed.
- Only tick the medicines you need when you order. Medicines you don’t tick will still be on the form next time for you to order.
- Re-order medicines when you have 1 week’s supply left. If you need to order early for a holiday, please add an explanatory note.
- Always finish your current containers before opening new ones.
- Never order medicines you no longer use or need.
- If you stop taking a medicine, please let your doctor or pharmacist know.
- If you are taking a medicine you don’t believe is helping your condition, don’t just stop it. Please discuss your concerns with our clinical pharmacist at the surgery.
- If you are using a medicine less frequently than previously prescribed, please tell the dispenser or pharmacist, as the quantity of tablets can be reduced to reduce stockpiling.
- Remember please to never flush medicines down the toilet. This goes straight into the water supply and is very damaging to wildlife. Unwanted medicines and empty inhalers should be returned to your pharmacist for safe disposal.
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.