Repeat Prescriptions

Other Ways to Order Your Prescriptions

1. NHS App:
   You can use the NHS App to order your prescriptions.
2. In Person:
   Return the counterfoil of the prescription document indicating the medication you require to reception. A box is provided in reception to enable you to deliver your prescription without having to wait.
3. By Post:
   Post the counterfoil of the prescription document indicating the medication you require to the surgery, enclosing a stamped self addressed envelope. If posting please remember to give at least one weeks notice for a first class stamp and longer if using second class.
4. Chemist:
   Arrange with a local chemist to request and collect your prescription.

Due to the possibility of errors, requests for repeat prescriptions will not be taken over the telephone.

When will my Prescription be ready?

Collection Lead Time

Please allow 2 working days before collecting your prescription or enclose a stamped addressed envelope with you request. Please ensure that your repeat prescription request is ordered in plenty of time.

Public Holidays

Please request repeat prescriptions well in advance of public holidays, etc.

Pharmacies

For those that request their prescription be sent to a local pharmacy then the time will be dependent on that pharmacy. Please contact the relevant pharmacy for an indication of the timescale.

Collection Points

Patients can either collect their prescription from the surgery or a chemist of their choice.

In order for prescriptions to be collected from a chemist, patients need to register at their chemist of choice for the ‘Prescription Collection Service’. Once the Chemist has agreed to collection on your behalf, Patients then need to instruct the Practice which must be in writing – forms are available from most chemists.

Prescriptions for over-the-counter medicines

• You can buy over-the-counter medicines in pharmacies, supermarkets and some high street shops.
• GPs, nurses and pharmacists will not generally give you a prescription for over-the-counter medicines.
• Your local pharmacy offers help and clinical advice to manage minor health concerns. If your symptoms suggest it’s more serious, they will help you get the care you need.

Please help the NHS to use resources sensibly.

This advice is in line with national guidance from NHS England.

Electronic Prescriptions Service

The Electronic Prescription Service (EPS) is an NHS service. It gives you the chance to change how your GP sends your prescription to the place you choose to get your medicines or appliances from.

Good Medication Management is Important

Please preempt ordering prescriptions to avoid medication running out.

If you are given 56 days of tablets and you have 7 days left, order your new prescription. In the case of any emergency your regular pharmacist will give you a couple of tablets until you get your new prescription.

If you are going on holiday you should take a list of your medication with you. In case you have a problem Ensure you have enough medication to cover your holiday. Some countries also need a doctor’s letter to explain the medication. Check with your travel agent.

If you have elderly relatives, ensure that they have an adequate supply of their medication. Dossette boxes/blister packs can be arranged if they have a large amount of medication to take.

Wasted Medicine

Medicines waste costs around £9 million a year in south east London.

Please tell your GP or pharmacist if you’re no longer taking medicines you’ve been prescribed or if you don’t want to take your medicine.

Useful Information

Each drug has two names, the generic and the brand name. Where possible we use the generic name because this is usually much cheaper for the health service. Due to this, you may notice a change in colour, shape or size of your drug. Do not be concerned by this, you are still receiving the same drug of the same quality, it is only the appearance that has altered.

Please book your medications review appointment at least 10 days before your medication runs out.