What is a repeat prescription?
If the GPs recommend a regular medication to be taken long term, they may arrange for you to have a “repeat prescription”. This means that the prescription can be re-ordered without having to see a doctor. Normally a repeat prescription will be for an 8 week supply although there are a few exceptions including some strong painkillers which can only be given in a 4 week supply. Not all medications are suitable for repeat prescribing for example antidepressants, contraceptive tablets or drugs which could be abused. Repeat prescriptions are listed on the right hand side counterfoil of your prescription.
How do I request a repeat prescription?
CORONAVIRUS INFECTION CONTROL
To reduce the risk of infection, it will no longer be possible to collect your prescription in person.
Please write the pharmacy, you would like your prescription to be sent to, on your request.
Thank you
If you need to re-order a repeat prescription, you can do this online by completing the form here. Alternatively you can tick the items that you need on your prescription counterfoil and put the counterfoil into the box in our porch, post it in to us or ask your pharmacist to arrange the re-order for you. If you would like your prescription to be posted back to you, please include a stamped addressed envelope.
Be very careful to tick the correct boxes on the slip and only order medication which is running out to avoid waste. In addition if you have arranged for a chemist to collect your prescription, please indicate this on your slip.
Please note that only repeat prescriptions can be ordered in this way and if you require any other medication, this must be discussed with your GP. In addition we cannot accept telephone requests for prescriptions because of the high risk of mistakes being made.
What happens next?
On receiving your online form or request slip, one of our administrative staff will check that the medication is due (less than a 2 weeks until it should run out) and will then tick off the items requested on your computerised records and print the prescriptions. It is important that you do not attempt to order items which are not listed on your counterfoil as our admin staff are not able to authorise anything other than your existing repeats.
The prescriptions are printed and given to the duty doctor who will ensure that the prescription is still appropriate and sometimes will undertake a full medication review before signing the prescription. Occasionally the doctor will need to contact you about your prescription request so please make sure that your contact details and phone numbers are up to date. Update your phone number here.
The prescription can be picked up from reception or you can arrange for your chemist to pick it up for you. All of our local pharmacies will arrange to pick up prescriptions from the surgery so please contact your pharmacist if you would like to arrange this.
How long will it take?
You should allow 2 working days for a prescription request. This allows us to provide a safe and high quality service. Please avoid requests for “same day” prescriptions as we are not able to process these. Remember to order early for public holiday weekends and allow extra time if you are arranging for a chemist to pick up your prescription or if you are having your prescription posted out.
What if my medication is not on the repeat list?
If you are taking a medication regularly which is not on your repeat prescriptions list, please discuss this with your usual GP when you are next in for an appointment. If you have been recommended to start a new medication by the hospital, please hand in the letter to reception and the prescription should be available within 2 working days. If a hospital request is urgent, then the hospital pharmacy will provide the medication.
What if I need an emergency prescription?
If you run out of your usual medication, please contact your chemist who will usually be able to issue you with a short supply.
What do I do once I have the prescription?
You need to take your prescription to a pharmacy to have it dispensed ie to get the actual medication. Remember that some medications will have to be ordered so it may not be possible to collect it the same day.