Prescriptions

Ways of ordering your repeat medication

  • By using our Repeat Prescription Request form
  • By using our online services, SystmOnline – if you are not registered to use this service, please register for our online services
  • In person – fill in your prescription request form for the items needed on the tear-off side of your prescription and drop it into the box in the lobby or on the external wall of the practice to the right of the doors
  • Local pharmacy – you may arrange for a pharmacy of your choice to collect your prescription on your behalf

Please allow three full working days for us to process your repeat prescription request and send it to your chosen pharmacy. The pharmacy may then require a further three days depending on their individual policies.

If you are using SystmOnline and a drug you are trying to request does not appear on your list, it is probably because the medication requires reauthorisation by your doctor or it is not intended for repeat issue.

Reception will not accept requests by hand or over the phone.

Emergency prescription requests

Emergency prescription requests are requests for medication which you need within 24 hours to prevent you from becoming severely unwell. Emergency medications include:

  • Epileptic medication
  • Insulin
  • Inhalers
  • Emergency contraception
  • Epipens
  • Anti-coagulants
  • GTN spray
  • Palliative medications
  • Prescription only baby milk

Emergency prescription requests are not requests for medications which have been ordered late.

Please respect our staff, as it is your responsibility to ensure that your repeat prescription is ordered in plenty of time.

Electronic prescription service

Almost all of our prescriptions are submitted via the electronic prescription service (EPS) which means that they are processed electronically and sent directly to your nominated pharmacy.

Electronic prescriptions help save the NHS money and reduces the need for a paper prescription to be handed to you. It also means it minimises hand contact.

Read more about EPS by visiting NHS: Electronic Prescription Service.

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.

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.

There is further information about prescription exemptions and fees on the NHS website.