Prescriptions can be requested in a variety of ways; in person at the surgery using a pre-printed repeat slip or written request or online via Patient Access/NHS app.
The average turnaround once the surgery has received a request for repeat prescriptions in the UK is 72 hours (3 working days). However, on occasion, this process can take longer.
Once the surgery has received your prescription request, a number of checks have to be done prior to the medication being signed;
- Two patient identifiers have to be checked.
- Check medication requested is a new medication or has been repeated before.
- Does the medication have any contraindications to other medicines prescribed, particularly if it’s new?
- What is the quantity being requested?
- Does the patient need a medication review before issuing?
- Does the patient need any monitoring tests before issuing (usually blood tests and BP readings)
- Are there any current warnings about the medication such as availability or substituted medications.
- Is the patient asking for more than one drug and if so do the quantities match or will there be another request?
- Is the requested drug being overused or underused according to dosage instructions?
- Is there a more efficient and effective way of prescribing?
- Are there any special considerations such as urgency?
- Is it a controlled drug which has different considerations to other medications?
The prescription will then most likely be electronically sent to the patient's nominated pharmacy. Pharmacy staff then have a number of checks to do from their end to ensure everything matches up.