Repeat Prescriptions

Please allow 24 hours between requesting and collecting your prescription, excluding weekends or bank holidays when we require 48 hours

Prescriptions requested before 12pm will be available after 2pm on the next working day.

Please note, to ensure accuracy and prevent mistakes occurring, we do not accept telephone requests.

Prescription Requests

You can request repeat medications in the following ways:

• Written Requests - Please try to use the slip attached to your prescription when ordering a repeat prescription.  Otherwise, please make your request in writing as clearly as possible with all of the medication information. This request can be handed in to reception or posted to us.

• Online Requests - You can request your repeat prescription using the online facilities . Ask at reception for further details.

• Electronic Prescribing - The NHS introduced a new system whereby your GP will send your prescription electronically to your local pharmacy (or pharmacy of your choice) to be dispensed. For more information see www.hscic.gov.uk/epspatients

• Request at your Pharmacy - Some local pharmacies will organise repeat prescriptions for you, and some will deliver your medication to you. If you would be interested in this, please discuss it further with your pharmacist.

Prescription Collection

Your prescription can be sent to any nominated pharmacy. where you can collect from them or set up a delivery service.  

We Advise if you are using a postal medication request service that you allow plenty of time for the medication to get back to you. 

Medication Reviews

Patients on repeat medication will be asked to see a doctor or practice nurse at least once a year to review these regular medications and notification should appear on your repeat slip.

Please ensure that you book an appropriate appointment to avoid unnecessary delays to further prescriptions.

Repeat Dispensing

Electronic Repeat Dispensing (eRD) allows your GP to send a series of repeat prescriptions to your pharmacy in one go, so there is no need for you to order them each time. It is reliable, secure and confidential. Your regular prescriptions are stored securely on the NHS database, so they'll be ready at the pharmacy each time you need them.

You might be suitable for eRD if you receive regular or repeat medicines that do not change regularly. How eRD can help you:

• Your GP can authorise your medicines to be collected monthly or two monthly from your pharmacy

• There is no need to contact your GP every time you need to order a repeat prescription - you can go straight to your pharmacy

• Your pharmacist will check it is still safe for you to receive the medicine every time you collect

• Your pharmacist will let you know when you need to contact your GP to review your medicines

eRD can also save time and money for your GP practice, pharmacy and the NHS. Ask your pharmacy about switching to eRD.

This video was produced by Wessex AHSN to increase awareness of eRD and its many benefits:

https://wessexahsn.org.uk/videos

Prescriptions Charges and Exemptions

Extensive exemption and remission arrangements protect those likely to have difficulty in paying charges (NHS prescription and dental charges, optical and hospital travel costs).

The NHS prescription charge is a flat-rate amount which successive Governments have thought it reasonable to charge for those who can afford to pay for their medicines. Prescription prepayment certificates (PPCs) offer real savings for people who need extensive medication.

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 15 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

We have switched the brand of your salbutamol (reliever) inhaler to an equally effective brand containing the same amount of active ingredient.

Inhaler switch to reduce carbon footprint

The NHS are working toward reducing the Carbon Footprint by reviewing their prescribing pattern, the document ‘Delivering a ‘Net Zero’ National Health Service’ highlights the long term plan to reduce carbon emissions.

Metered dose inhalers (MDIs) use hydrofluoroalkanes (HFA) propellants which are potent greenhouse gases, 1000 – 3000 times more potent than carbon dioxide. MDIs account for almost 25% of a GP’s prescribing Carbon Footprint.

Salbutamol (Ventolin) inhalers have more than double the carbon footprint of other Salbutamol MDIs, so we have switched your inhaler to Salamol which delivers the same amount of the active ingredient and works in the same way. The container is slightly smaller, but contains the same amount of doses. Your pharmacy may have already given you this brand in the past.

Please always ensure that you take any used or unwanted inhalers back to your Community Pharmacy for appropriate disposal. Inhalers should not be put into household waste as this allows release of remaining HFAs into the atmosphere.

If you have any questions or concerns please contact the Prescription Team at Evergreen Oak Surgery.