Prescriptions

Repeat Prescriptions

These can be requested by:

  • E-mail - nel.b81031-prescriptions@nhs.net (include 2 identifiers on your e-mail)
  • By post - enclosing a stamped addressed envelope for return
  • By telephone - Monday to Friday between 13:00 – 16:00.
  • Online via the link at the top of this page - ask at reception about registering for Patient Access

Please allow 48 (working) hours for processing your prescription. All patients will be asked to make an annual appointment for a telephone consultation with the doctor or practice pharmacist.  If you require a blood test or physical check up then a nurse or HCA appointment will be required to complete your medication review.

All patients require a medication review at least once every 12 months (some medications will need to be reviewed more often).  The receptionist can advise you on the most appropriate method of booking your review and whether or not you need to have blood tests.

Please ensure that you follow the instructions on your repeat prescription slip as soon as possible to avoid any delay in issuing further medication.

Hospital requests for new medication will be processed in the same way as repeat medication - the practice requires documentation from your hospital consultant before we take any orders for these medications.

Why not ask your local pharmacy about collection and delivery of your prescription and medication.

Ordering your repeat prescription is changing from 1st September 2020

From 1st September 2020, you (or a person nominated on your behalf) will have to order your repeat prescription directly from the practice.  You will no longer be able to order your repeat prescription through your pharmacy, an online pharmacy or other dispensing contractor.

If you already order your repeat prescription from the practice, you will not be affected and do not need to change your way of ordering.

Why is this change needed?

These changes will help to address safety issues. Under the old system, some patients found that they began to build up a stock of unused medicines that had to be stored safely and used within a certain date.  The new system will help your GP to better check and monitor the medicines you do and do not use. This will help when discussing and choosing the right medicines for you during your medication review.

What if I'm worried about not being able to manage this change?

If you are unable to order your own medicines, could a relative or carer do this on your behalf? If this is not possible then please speak to us or your local pharmacy who will be able to help you.

Electronic Prescribing Service (EPS)

If you get regular prescriptions or are already using a prescription collection service (where a pharmacy collects your prescription for your) then you can choose to nominate that pharmacy as your usual dispensing pharmacy. 

You will still order your repeat prescription in the same way as you do now, but this means all your prescriptions will be sent electronically to that nominated pharmacy unless you instruct the practice not to.  Saving you time as you will not have to collect a paper repeat prescription from your GP practice.

The practice still requires 48 working hours to prepare your prescription and send it through to the pharmacy, please check with you pharmacy how much notice they require before your collect your medication.

For more information please click here

Electronic Repeat Dispensing

You can take your medication ordering one step further and talk to the practice about setting your repeat medications up for electronic repeat dispensing.

This means we will set up an automatic delivery of your normal medications to your pharmacy of choice every month for 6 months – no more contacting the practice to order your medication until the end of that time period.

The receptionist will be able to advise you on whether or not you are a suitable candidate for this service - patients need to be stable on their treatment and there are some medications it is not safe to prescribe in this way.

Over-the-Counter Medicines

Prescribing of over-the-counter medicines is changing

From 1st August 2019 the government guidlines changed which means your GP may not be able to provide you with prescriptions for certain medicines that are available to buy in a pharmacy or supermarket for minor health concerns.

Healthcare professionals at your local pharmacy can offer help and clinical advice to manage minor health concerns.  If your symptoms suggest it's more serious they'll ensure you get the care you need.

These changes affect all patients including children, patients exempt from prescription charges and pre-paid prescriptions.

Find out more at: www.prescriptionchanges.co.uk

These changes apply to the following conditions (for a full list click on the leaflet below):

Prescribing is Changing.pdf

  • Acute sore throat
  • Conjunctivitis
  • Coughs, colds and nasal congestion
  • Cradle cap
  • Diarrhoea (adults)
  • Headlice
  • Indigestion & heartburn
  • Infant colic
  • Infrequent constipation
  • Insect bites & stings

  • Mild acne
  • Mild dry skin
  • Mild to moderate hay fever
  • Minor pain, discomfort and fever
  • Nappy rash
  • Oral thrush
  • Sun protection
  • Teething/mild toothache
  • Threadworms
  • Warts & verrucae

Prescription Fees

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

NHS Charges

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.