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.
Non-urgent advice: Note:
You can also:
- Tick your repeat prescriptions request form (normally attached to your prescription) and bring the paper form to the surgery, Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm and pop it in our prescription box either inside or outside the surgery.
- Ask your pharmacy to manage and deliver for you.
We do not take repeat prescription requests over the phone, the front desk or email (unless you are a care home).
Ordering Your Medication Safely and On Time
It’s really important to order your medication in good time so you don’t run out and your treatment remains safe and effective. The surgery has up to three working days to issue your prescription, and your pharmacy will then need time to prepare it. To avoid delays, please order at least a week before you are due to run out, but no sooner than that.
Why We Don’t Take Repeat Medication Requests by Phone or at Reception
We do not accept prescription requests over the phone or at the reception desk. This isn’t to make things difficult, it’s because these methods are proven to be unsafe and increase the risk of errors. We will explain why:
- To protect your safety Verbal requests can easily lead to mistakes. Many medicines sound similar, and in a busy reception area or over the phone, names and doses can be misheard. Staff then have to manually write down what they think they heard, which increases the chance of transcription errors. Verbal requests also leave no clear record, making it harder to trace or correct mistakes.
- To ensure proper clinical oversight Reception and prescription clerks are not clinicians. All medication requests must be reviewed by a GP, pharmacist or pharmacy technician to ensure they are still appropriate. This process cannot be done safely “while you wait,” which is why the standard timeframe is up to 72 hours.
- To protect your privacy Discussing medication at the reception desk can mean sharing personal medical information within earshot of others. A busy waiting room is not a private space, and we want to keep your information confidential.
- To keep our phone lines free for urgent needs Taking prescription requests by phone blocks lines needed for urgent medical queries, appointment bookings, and clinical advice. With the high volume of repeat prescriptions in modern primary care, phone-based requests also lead to more errors.
If you cannot use online systems and are unable to come into the surgery, please ask a family member to help you or speak to your chosen pharmacy, who may be able to support you with ordering.
Our aim is always to keep you safe, protect your privacy, and ensure you receive the right medication at the right time.
Ordering emergency prescriptions
Emergency prescription requests are for medication that you need within 24 hours to prevent serious harm to your health. These include:
- Epileptic medication
- Insulin
- Inhalers
- Emergency contraception
- Epipens
- Anti-coagulants
- GTN spray/tablet
- Palliative medications
- Prescription-only baby milk
- Parkinsons medication
- Antipsychotics
These requests are not for medications that have simply been ordered late. We understand that life gets busy, but it’s important to plan ahead and order your repeat prescriptions in good time.
Please help us keep our service safe and fair for everyone by using emergency requests only when truly necessary. Our team is here to help, and we kindly ask that you treat staff with respect. It is your responsibility to ensure your regular medication is ordered promptly to avoid delays or disruption to your care.
Collecting your prescription
You can usually collect your prescription from the pharmacy 3 to 5 working 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
- at your GP practice
- 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.
If you would like to speak to someone at the GP surgery about your prescription:
- fill in our medication query form.
Medication reviews
If you have a repeat prescription, we will invite you to an annual review. We will be in touch when this is due.
Prescription 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.
- phone advice and order line 0845 850 0030
- buy or renew a PPC online
Find out more about prescription charges (nhs.uk).
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 consultation room where you can discuss issues with pharmacy staff without being overheard.
