What is repeat prescription?
A repeat prescription is a continuous supply of certain medication that you can routinely order for a set period of time without having to see a doctor. The doctor will arrange for this medication to be available for you to order for a clinically appropriate length of time and you will then require a review. You will be advised that you need to have this done when you are coming to the end of your prescription allocation. This will be advised by using the right-hand side of the prescription.
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: Patient Services
- fill out a repeat prescriptions request form
- drop your request/ fill in a form and post in post box outside the surgery to the left of the main doors.
- post your request to the team and enclose a stamped addressed envelope
Please note that we do not take prescription requests over the telephone or through our voicemail service. This is to minimise the risk of errors and help ensure you receive the items that you requested.
Please remember to include your full name, address and date of birth on all requests.
Collecting your prescription
You can usually collect your prescription 3 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
- fill out a nominate a pharmacy or other dispenser form
- at any pharmacy that accepts repeat prescriptions
Urgent prescriptions
At Hadwen Health we work hard to provide a safe, timely service for all our patients. We are receiving a lot of urgent prescription requests and as a result have updated our practice policy for managing these requests. Urgent requests create a huge burden of extra work for the practice; it is unsafe, increases the risk of medication errors and resultant delays are unfair on patients who do manage their repeat requests in a timely manner.
Important: Important note
Please avoid requesting urgent prescriptions. We can only provide urgent prescriptions in exceptional circumstances, where a delay in prescribing will cause the patient to become unwell.
How to request an urgent prescriptions
Urgent requests must be received by 1pm if they are needed the same day.
- Speak to a member of the prescription team and complete an urgent request form. This will then be assessed and you will be advised when the prescription will be ready for collection.
- Please note that we will not issue urgent prescriptions for any medicines that can be bought over the counter.
- Medication can also be requested using the NHS 111 service, when the Practice is closed.
Most medicines are not urgent and prescriptions will be ready in the normal 3 working days.
Requests for extra medication to cover a holiday
If you are going away on holiday and either need to order your medication early or need an extra supply of your repeat medication this is not a problem. Please make sure you inform us of this when putting in your request. If you are going on holiday for over 2 weeks, we will normally ask you for the dates of your holiday.
We need to add this information to your electronic record and it enables us to provide an appropriate supply of your medication.
Please be aware that we are able to provide a maximum of 3 months supply of your prescriptions. If you are planning to be away for longer than this, then you will need to register with and obtain your medication from a doctor at your intended destination.
Questions about your prescription
If you have questions about your medicine, your local pharmacists are trained to provide advice. 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)
Medication reviews
If you are taking repeat medication, we will ask you to have a review, this appointment can be face to face or a telephone appointment. This appointment maybe with a GP or Pharmacist, depending on the medication. We will be in touch when you need a review.
Prescription charges
Find out more about prescription charges (nhs.uk).
