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.

Patients on repeat medication will be asked to have a full review of their medication once a year. These are now done by a Pharmacist who works for the Practice. Notification of your due date should appear on your repeat prescription slip.

Please ensure that you book an appointment with the Pharmacist at the Practice to avoid unnecessary delays to further prescriptions.

Prescribing or using medication outside the UK

Any prescriptions issued by the Practice are done so within current guidance and regulations for the use of medications within the UK.

We are unable to provide advice regarding the use of any medication, prescribed or otherwise, outside of the UK. It is the individual travellers' responsibility to ensure anything transported across borders is done so within the laws of the country or countries visited.

We recommend travellers check the Foreign Office website travel advice pages for destination countries or the TravelHealthPro website set up by the Department of Health.

The FCO recommends contacting the Embassy, High Commission or Consulate in the UK for the country you are travelling to for advice on the legal status of specific medications. The gov.uk website has a full list of foreign embassies in the UK.

These charges apply in England only. In Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales prescriptions are free of charge.

• Prescription (per item): £9.65
• 12-month prepayment certificate (PPC): £111.60
• 3-month PPC: £31.25

If you will have to pay for four or more prescription items in three months or more than 14 items in 12 months, you may find it cheaper to buy a PPC.

• Telephone advice and order line 0845 850 0030
• General Public - Buy or Renew a PPC On-line

There is further information about prescription exemptions and fees on the NHS website.

Help with NHS costs

In England, around 90% of prescription items are dispensed free. This includes exemptions from charging for those on low incomes, such as:

• those on specific benefits or through the NHS Low Income Scheme
• those who are age exempt
• those with certain medical conditions
• More information is available at NHS Choices

Prescription Charge Exemption Forms

You may be exempt from paying the prescription fee. There are 2 types of prescription charge exemption forms, Medical (FP92A) and Maternity (FW8). These forms are available to collect from reception.

Click here for more information.