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

As the patient, you are responsible for ordering your repeat prescription within the relevant timescale; please note that your prescription needs to arrive at the surgery before 2pm. If it is received after this time it will be treated as being received the following day.

We are unable to fast track repeat prescriptions, even if they are marked urgent.

Repeat prescription ordering

We no longer accept prescription requests from pharmacies.

Therefore, please order your medicine directly from the surgery using the methods above, rather than allowing your pharmacy to do it for you.

You can still of course collect from your local pharmacy; if you do collect your prescription from a pharmacy, please allow 2 extra working days for these.

Collecting your prescription

Information:

You can usually collect your prescription 2 working days after you have ordered it.

Prescriptions can be collected from reception after 8:30am.

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:

  • using the AccuRx service
  • 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:

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).

What to do with old and unused medicines

A report by the Department of Health estimates that unused medicines cost the NHS around £300 million every year, with an estimated £110 million worth of medicine returned to pharmacies, £90 million worth of unused prescriptions being stored in homes and £50 million worth of medicines disposed of by care homes.

These startling figures don’t even take into account the cost to patients’ health if medicines are not being correctly taken. If medicine is left unused, this could lead to worsening symptoms and extra treatments that could have been avoided.

How can you help?

There are a number of ways that you can help to reduce the issue of wasted medicines and save money for your local NHS:

Only order the medicines that you need

  • Please let your GP or pharmacist know if you’ve stopped taking any of your medicines – You can phone us on 01908 520545.
  • Check what medicines you still have at home before re-ordering.
  • Discuss your medication with your GP or pharmacist on a regular basis.
  • Think carefully before ticking all the boxes on your repeat prescription forms, and only tick those you really need.
  • If you don’t need the medicine, please don’t order it. If you need the medicine in the future, you can still request it.
  • If you need to go into hospital, please remember to take all your medicines with you in a clearly marked bag.
  • Please also remember that your medicines are prescribed only for you; it’s not safe to share them with anyone else.

Remember that unused medicines cannot be recycled

  • Even if you never open them, once medicines have left the pharmacy, they cannot be recycled or used by anyone else.
  • Please take your unused medicines to the pharmacy for safe disposal.
  • Never dispose of your unused or unwanted medicines down the toilet.

Unused medicines are a safety risk

  • Return out of date medicines to your pharmacy or dispensary for safe disposal.
  • If your medicines change please return your old medicines to the pharmacy for safe disposal, to avoid mixing them up with your new medicines.
  • Don’t stockpile medication; it is a safety risk for children and others who might take them.
  • Store medicines in an appropriate place out of reach of children.

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.

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.