Ordering Repeat Prescriptions

There is more than one way to order repeat prescriptions:

• By using the EMIS access
• Completing a form on our website and submitting it via the internet
• By email
• By hand or post
• By Telephone (Housebound patients only)

You will receive a counterfoil with each prescription which lists the medicines you receive by repeat prescriptions.

Online Prescriptions Ordering

1. EMIS ACCESS...

The only EMIS Access feature that our patients can use at present is the repeat medications ordering facility.

Order your repeat prescription with EMIS Access

2. Standard Website Form

 Click here to access the online Repeat Prescription Form

By Email...

Just send an email to prescriptions[at]highbridgemc.nhs.uk and include, name, date of birth, address, items needed and if you want to collect from a local pharmacy, indicate which one.  Our system will acknowledge receipt of your email.

Emails will be processed Monday - Friday during working hours

By Hand or by Post...

When you require a repeat medication you should return the counterfoil (Part B) to us indicating which items you require by putting a clear tick in the box next to the description of the medication.  You can do this by handing it in to yopru local pharmacy or bringing it to the medical centre.  If you want us to pass your prescription on to a local pharmacy so that you can collect your medications without coming to the surgery to collect the prescription, please circle your preference.  Please enclose a stamped self addressed envelope if you wish your prescription to be posted back to you.

By Telephone...

THE PRESCRIPTION TELEPHONE LINE 764200 SHOULD ONLY BE USED FOR HOUSEBOUND PATIENTS OR GENUINELY URGENT REQUESTS.

We would prefer you to use other available ways to make sure there are no inaccuracies when prescribing a repeat prescription.

The telephone request service is only available from 11.00am to 12.30pm and 2.00pm to 3.30pm Monday to Friday. We can also accept faxed requests (01278 795486) or emailed requests.  11.00am to 12.00pm and 2.00pm to 3.00pm are the busiest times for our prescription telephone line, so calls made to us during these times may not be answered promptly, however, we will do our best.  

General Information About Requesting Prescriptions

Regardles of which method you use, the computer system monitors how much is being prescribed and as a result if you request a medication before it is due there may be a delay before the prescription is issued. For example, if in the past six weeks you had received a repeat prescription for three months our computer will tell us that the next prescription is not yet due. It may be necessary to make early requests, for example when you are to be away from home for some time eg away on holiday; you should provide us with a note giving the reason for your early request. This may then avoid any unnecessary delay.  With the EMIS Access method, you are able to track your requests and see any messages back from us if there is a problem with what you have rerquested.

Your prescriptions can be dispensed by any chemist. There is an independent pharmacy on the premises for your convenience.

We also offer a Repeat Dispensing service which means that you do not need to contact the surgery each time and simply deal with the pharmacy. If you are taking-long term regular medication which does not change, please ask for details of the Repeat Dispensing scheme at reception.

Prescriptions have become very expensive.  Remember the charge is made per item and it may be cheaper to get a `season ticket' - see leaflet P11 for details. The following are exempt from charges:

• Men and women over 60 years
• People under 16 years
• People under 19 years in full time education
• Pregnant women and up to one year after the birth
• People on income support or family credit
• People suffering from epilepsy, diabetes, hypothyroidism, diabetes insipidus, Addison's disease, myasthenia gravis.

Patients travelling abroad can ask for a supply of repeat medications for a maximum period of 3 months.  If there is a need for repeat medications for a longer period, patients must register with a doctor abroad to obtain ongoing supplies.

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.

Batch Prescriptions

If you, or someone you care for, use the same medicines regularly you may be able to benefit from batch prescribing.

This scheme is used to produce six months of prescriptions which are kept by your chosen pharmacy and means that during the life of the repeatable prescription you can call at the pharmacy and collect your continued supply of medicines, the same day, without the need to wait and reorder prescriptions through the surgery.

Each time you visit the pharmacy, they will check that the medicines are still needed and are being used appropriately. It is also an opportunity to make better use of pharmacists' skills by helping patients get the most out of their medicines and working with patients to make a professional decision when to dispense the supply of medicines

To set this up talk to your prescriber, who will usually be your Doctor or Practise Nurse.

View the Interactive Self Care Guide

Self Care Prescribing List

You may not be able to be prescribed these medicines due to their limited clinical value or more suitable to purchase for self care:

• Pain killers for minor aches and pains
• Soluble pain killers
• Hay fever preparations
• Cough and cold remedies
• Tonic, vitamin and health supplements
• Antiperspirants
• Treatment for non-serious constipation or diarrhoea
• Ear Wax removers
• Treatment for minor acne
• Threadworm tablets
• Lozenges, throat sprays,mouthwashes and gargles
• Slimming preparations
• Creams, gels and bandages for minor sprains and sports injuries
• Indigestion remedies for occasional use
• Tablets for minor nail infections
• Creams for bruising, tattoos and varicose veins
• Continuous barrier creams for nappy rash
• Head lice lotions and shampoos
• Athletes’ foot creams and powders
• Moisturisers and bath additives for minor dry skin conditions
• Travel medicines
• Food and toilet preparations except where clinically indicated

Many of these products are cheap to buy and readily available from pharmacies and shops