Repeat Prescriptions

A repeat prescription can be ordered by:

• Sending us your computer slip (ticked with the items you require) with a stamped self-addressed envelope.  
• Leaving your computer slip (ticked with the items you require) at reception and picking up the prescription two WORKING days later.  
• Leaving your completed computer slip at reception when collecting your current prescription. It will automatically be ready three weeks later.
• Ordering online via the link at the top of this page. Please click here for more information about our online services.

Please Note:

• A repeat prescription will be ready for collection or sending to the pharmacy of your choice Two Working Days after it is received at the surgery
• It is your responsibility to order your medication in plenty of time for your requirements (e.g. holidays). Always take weekends and Bank Holidays into account when ordering your medication. Please do not request collection before your prescription is due to be ready.
• At present we are unable to take prescription orders via email, see above for details of how to order on the internet.
• Prescription details are not accepted over the telephone.
• Always order your prescription in good time - don't wait until your medication has run out.
• Some chemists will collect your prescription from the surgery for you.  Please ask at reception for details.

Medication Reviews

Patients on repeat medication will be asked to see a doctor, nurse practitioner or practice nurse at least once a year to review these regular medications and notification should appear on your repeat slip. Please ensure that you book an appropriate appointment to avoid unnecessary delays to further prescriptions.

Prescriptions Charges and Exemptions

Extensive exemption and remission arrangements protect those likely to have difficulty in paying charges (NHS prescription and dental charges, optical and hospital travel costs).

The NHS prescription charge is a flat-rate amount which successive Governments have thought it reasonable to charge for those who can afford to pay for their medicines. Prescription prepayment certificates (PPCs) offer real savings for people who need extensive medication.

NHS charges

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

For up to date charges please access the NHS Website below.

If you will have to pay for four or more prescription items in three months, or more than 15 items in 12 months, you may find it cheaper to buy a Pre Payment Card (PPC).

• General Public - Buy or Renew a PPC On-line
• NHS website

Prescription

Guidance on Requests for NHS Prescribing following a Private Consultation

Introduction:

• This guidance applies to requests to prescribe a treatment on the NHS (either by a patient or private specialist), following a private consultation that has taken place inside or outside the UK.
• This guidance will ensure that all patients whether opting to use private healthcare or not will receive the same consistent, high-quality care from the NHS. This will ensure that those from less affluent backgrounds will not be disadvantaged compared to those who are able to choose to have a private consultation.
• This guidance will affect all patients and medical conditions equally.
• The guidance would not have a particular positive or negative impact on any specific patient group if implemented consistently.
• The guidance does not limit medicines or access to treatment to particular patient groups beyond that which the NHS provides to all patients.

Recommendations:

1. Patients who are entitled to NHS care can opt in and out of receiving NHS treatment at any point. Should a patient decide to seek treatment privately, they are solely responsible for paying all associated costs that arise. The NHS will not subsidise or pay for any private treatment.
2. The decision to prescribe a treatment on an NHS prescription would result in the clinical and legal responsibilities resting with the NHS, and the incurred costs would be an NHS expense.
3. If an NHS prescriber deems the ongoing supply of medication to be clinically appropriate and necessary, it should be prescribed in accordance with local and national guidance. If the recommendation does not follow local or national guidance a prescriber can substitute the drug with a clinically appropriate alternative if they feel this is necessary and appropriate, based on local guidance. Any switch should be made on an individual basis and in discussion with the patient, explaining the reasons for the change.
4. An NHS prescriber should not issue NHS prescriptions for shared care medications for conditions where patients are being treated privately. This is because it is important to ensure that private specialists treating patients remain in control of, and are responsible for, prescribing treatments for the conditions they are managing. The current expectation is for these to continue to be prescribed on a private basis from their private provider. Please see link to patient information leaflet on sharing care with private providers.
5.  An NHS prescriber can decline a request to prescribe should they feel the treatment does not fall in line with locally agreed decisions/national guidelines or is likely to be beyond the scope of their current clinical practice (i.e., specialist treatment or unlicensed preparations/off-label use).
6. If an NHS prescriber does not feel confident or competent to take over the prescribing responsibility from a private clinician, they are under no obligations to do so.
7. The following items are not permitted to be prescribed on the NHS, and therefore should only be prescribed via a private prescription: blacklisted preparations, malaria prophylaxis, travel vaccinations that are not permitted on the NHS, and prescribing of Selected List Scheme (SLS) preparations outside of their ACBS criteria.