General Information About Requesting Prescriptions
PLEASE NOTE - We do not prescribe hayfever remedies so please do not request them. They are widely avaliable to purchase over the counter or at your local pharmacy. This includes patients who are exempt from paying for their prescriptions.
How long does it take to get a repeat prescription?
We require two full working days to process your request for a prescription if you wish to collect it from the medical centre. You will need to allow three full working days if you usually collect your medication direct from a local pharmacy.
Can I order a repeat prescription in advance?
Except in circumstances where you will be away, the earliest you can order a repeat presciption is up to five days before it is due. If you order medication earlier than this there may be a delay before the prescription is issued.
If you are going away, for example, you can make an early request but you will need to provide us with a note stating the reason for your early request. This may then avoid any unnecessary delay.
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.
Why should there be a delay if I order early?
Regardless 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.
What about urgent prescription requests?
We process approximately 3,000 repeat prescription requests per week and our systems and processes are designed to ensure that we process these requests in the timescale as stated above. To help us achieve this we would ask patients to remember to order medication in time.
Where there is a genuine urgent request we will endeavour to meet your request, however, urgent request should be the exception rather than the norm. Essential medications, such as insulin, will be prioritised.
How will your prescription be sent to your chosen pharmacy?
There are two ways of your prescription being issued;
1. There will be a printed green paper prescription, this can then be available to collect from the medical centre (if desired) or it will be collected by the selected pharmacy (normally on a daily basis).
2. A prescription can be sent via the electronic prescription service (EPS). This means it will be issued/signed by the GP and then sent directly via the spine to your nominated pharmacy. (Please note that not all medications can be sent via this service e.g. controlled drugs).
Please allow some time for the pharmacy to dispense your medication once sent from the medical centre.