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.
Collecting your prescription
You can usually collect your prescription 3working 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
- fill out a nominate a pharmacy form
- at any pharmacy that accepts repeat prescriptions
Emergency prescriptions
The dispensary normally require 3 full working days to prepare a prescription. If you have run out please speak with dispensary.
If your repeat issues have run out and there is no doctor available, in most cases dispensary can give 1 month emergency supply.
If you have run out of contraception and are due a pill check, dispensary will issue a 1 month supply with a request that you book an appointment with a nurse for a pill check.
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.
New patient prescriptions
New patients registering with the practice who are on a repeat medication need to provide the dispensary with a print out of medications from their previous surgery.
Once the doctor has authorised the repeat medication this can be added to the patient’s records and medication can be issued.
If patients are unable to provide the printout from their previous surgery they will need to make an appointment to see a doctor.
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.
Prepayment and exemptions
If you are on a number of repeat prescription items it may be worth your while purchasing a prepayment certificate and our dispensary will advise you regarding this and of the current charges.
If you suffer from certain medical conditions you are entitled to free NHS prescriptions but you need to apply for an exemption certificate. Again our dispensary will advise you regarding these illnesses.
If you have a prepayment/exemption certificate or are exempt from prescription charges for other reasons, our dispensers are required by the Prescription Pricing Authority to ask for proof of exemption.
Prepayment certificates can be ordered over the telephone by ringing 0800 850 0030 (please have your credit or debit card ready).
Refund of prescription charges
If your prepayment/exemption certificate has run out you will be required to pay a prescription charge. If you ask the dispensary for a receipt you will be able to obtain a refund on receipt of your prepayment certificate. The receipt has to be obtained at the time you pay and cannot be issued at a later date. Refunds are available from any pharmacy not here at the practice. As a Dispensing Doctor Practice we are unable to give refunds.
Payment methods
We accept cash, switch and delta card payment of prescriptions.
Money collected for repeat prescriptions is collected by the practice on behalf of the Prescription Pricing Authority.
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.
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.
Medicines not prescribed on the NHS
BLMK ICB does not routinely support the prescribing of medication that is available to buy from local pharmacies of supermarkets for children or adults.
The reasons for this are as follows:
- patients should keep a small supply of simple treatments in their own medicine cabinet so they are able to manage minor ailments at home
- patients have a responsibility to look after themselves and their children where possible and manage self-limiting minor ailments with support from their local pharmacy if needed
- all these medicines are widely available from supermarkets and pharmacies at reasonable cost
- many of these treatments are more expensive when prescribed on the NHS compared to when they are purchased in pharmacies or supermarkets
- the NHS belongs to everybody and the ICB must ensure that its resources are used in the best possible way for all patients