Prescriptions

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.

You can also:

• fill out a repeat prescriptions request form

We do not take repeat prescription requests over the phone or email.

Collecting your prescription

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
• fill out a nominate a pharmacy or other dispenser form
• at any pharmacy that accepts repeat prescriptions

Prescriptions for travel / holidays

• The NHS accepts responsibility for supplying ongoing medication for temporary periods abroad of up to three months.
• Where patients are travelling abroad for less than 3 months, medications for pre-existing conditions can be issued to cover this period where considered clinically appropriate by the prescriber.
• The clinician signing the prescription takes medico legal responsibility for the duration of the supply.
• Patients are responsible for ensuring that medications taken into a country conform to local laws- the individual country’s embassy can be contacted for further information.
• If travelling abroad for more than 3 months, then they are entitled to receive sufficient’ supply to enable to them to get to the destination and find an alternative supply.
• In these circumstances the patient should be advised to register with a local doctor for continuing medication (which may need to be paid for by the patient). It is prudent for the patient to check with the manufacturer that the medicines they require are available in the country being visited.

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.

What to do with old medicines

Take it to the pharmacy you got it from or bring it in to the surgery. Do not put it in your household bin or flush it down the toilet.

Pharmacy First

As qualified healthcare professionals, pharmacists can offer advice on minor illnesses such as:

• aches and pains
• acne
• athletes foot
• colds
• coughs
• diarrhoea
• ear wax
• groin area infection
• haemorrhoids
• head lice
• mouth ulcers
• oral thrush
• scabies
• sore throats
• threadworms
• tummy trouble
• vaginal thrush
• verrucas

They can also advise on medicine that you can buy without a prescription.

Find a pharmacy (nhs.uk)

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.