Prescriptions

Ordering repeat prescriptions

The easiest ways to order repeat prescriptions are:

  • using your NHS account (through the NHS App and other similar Apps)
  • using the GP online system: SystmOnline

These accounts show you all your repeat medicine and dosage and you can choose the ones you need.

You can also:

The surgery do not accept medication requests over the phone, as per legal restrictions.

If you find that you have run out of routine repeat medication, for example at the weekend or over a bank holiday, contact NHS111 or your normal community pharmacist for guidance.

They may be able to issue you with a small amount of your medication to tide you over until the Surgery opens up again. It is always best to order your medication in time, but we understand that mistakes can happen.

We issue medications up to 7 days early, but we will discuss with you if we have concerns that you are stockpiling medication.

If you are using a controlled drug we will not issue early or allow patients to stockpile, due to the addictive nature of these medications.

Collecting your prescription

Information:

You will need to remember to order in enough time to get your medication.

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:

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:

Pharmacy First service

These pharmacists have had extra training and may suggest a treatment that you can purchase from the pharmacy or receive for free.

This service should be the same day as the referral is made from your GP surgery and you can call the Pharmacy as soon as you have received a message from the Friar Gate Surgery Team.

Most pharmacies are open throughout the day and there are some that are also open until midnight and at weekends.

For more information about the Pharmacy First service, please visit the Community Pharmacy England website.

Medication reviews

If you have a repeat prescription, we may ask you to come in for a regular medication review. We will be in touch when you need to come in for a review. If you need to complete a blood test, provide a blood pressure reading or more please carry these out as soon as you can to prevent any delays.

Prescription charges

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.

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.