Prescriptions
Repeat Prescriptions
Please allow at least 3 clear working days before you need the medication to allow us to process the prescription; note that requests submitted on a Friday will not be available until the following Wednesday. Please remember that it is your own responsibility to ensure that you get your medication ordered in good time.
Initial prescriptions will be issued by the doctor or nurse in the normal way at the surgery.
Repeat prescriptions can be ordered in the following ways:
- by post
- by email
- by putting a request into our letter box
- Creating an account on either the NHS App or Patient Access - see the home page for more information.
Patient Access
Patient Access connects you to the surgery by allowing you to order repeat prescriptions, access your immunisation and allergy history and in the future enable you to book appointments via your mobile or home computer.
You can register online using YOUR OWN email at https://www.patientaccess.com/ and then come to the surgery with a photographic ID. Once we have seen this, we will email you with your code which you must keep confidential as it will allow access to your personal information.
Parents/guardians will have responsibility for registering children under 12, but must provide the evidence to proove parental responsibility to gain access codes.
Medication Reviews
On occasion, especially where you have been prescribed strong, addictive drugs or have been taking a type of medication for a long time, the doctor will need to review the prescription and this may mean that it will take more than 2 working days to be ready.
Not Registered for Online Services?
Do You Want To Know More About The Drugs You Are Taking?
Generic Policy
Every drug has 2 names. It can be very confusing. For example NUROFEN is a trade name or marketing name, the generic or chemical name is IBUPROFEN. Similarly PANADOL and PARACETAMOL are the same thing.
It is Government policy to increase the rate of generic prescribing. This saves the NHS money, as one of the largest costs of the NHS is prescribed drugs. It does mean some of the drug names are almost unpronounceable – it’s as difficult for doctors and pharmacist as it is for patients!
It also means that sometimes the packaging in which you receive your medicine from the pharmacist will be different to the one you are used to. However, if you check the drug (generic) name on the packet, you should find that it is the same drug. If it isn’t, speak to your pharmacist!
Equivalence (quantity of drugs allowed on each prescription)
The government recommends that on any prescription the maximum quantity of drugs prescribed should be those needed for 28 days. If further supplies are needed then they should be repeated every 28 days.
The government say this would prevent wastage and save over 10% of the national drug bill.
For some medicines that you have been taking for a long time we may issue longer prescriptions.
Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about your tablets.
Drug information leaflets for many drugs are also available from patient.co.uk
Prescription Fees
Help with NHS costs
In England, around 90% of prescription items are dispensed free. This includes exemptions from charging for those on low incomes, such as:
- those on specific benefits or through the NHS Low Income Scheme
- those who are age exempt
- those with certain medical conditions
- More information is available at NHS Choices
NHS Charges
These charges apply in England only. In Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales prescriptions are free of charge.
- Prescription (per item): £9.65
- 12-month prepayment certificate (PPC): £111.60
- 3-month PPC: £31.25
If you will have to pay for four or more prescription items in three months or more than 14 items in 12 months, you may find it cheaper to buy a PPC.
- Telephone advice and order line 0845 850 0030
- General Public - Buy or Renew a PPC On-line
There is further information about prescription exemptions and fees on the NHS website.
Hospital Requests
When you are discharged from hospital you should normally receive 7 days’ supply of medication.
On receipt of your medication requirements, which will be issued to you by the hospital, please bring this to the surgery or post via a stamped addressed envelope before your supply of medication has run out.
Hospital requests for change of medication will be checked by the GP first, and if necessary your doctor will issue you with a prescription. The Practice will endeavour to issue you with your prescription on that day, but it cannot be issued until your medical details are checked by the doctor, your prescription should normally be ready by 4pm on that day, or you may be advised to attend the next day.
The doctors will review your medication, regularly, which may involve changes to your tablets, in accordance with current health board policies. Please be reassured that this will not affect your treatment.