Prescriptions

Ordering repeat prescriptions

The practice operates a repeat prescription service for those patients who have been put on repeat medication by their GP, or by a hospital doctor.

The easiest ways to order repeat prescriptions are:

• using your NHS account (through the NHS website or in the NHS App)
• using the GP online system: Patient Services

These accounts show you all your repeat medicine and dosage and you can choose the ones you need.

You can also:

• call our prescription line on 0161 796 1851 (Monday to Friday 10am to 12:30pm and 1:30pm to 3pm)
• complete the tear off slip, and place the slip in the prescription request box inside the entrance to the surgery, or alternatively at the reception desk

When calling the prescription line please make sure you have details of the items you wish to order before calling. We need to have correct details of drugs ordered to ensure accuracy and patient safety.

If this number is busy, please do not ring the surgery number as this blocks access for more urgent calls, and orders can only be processed via the prescription line.

Collecting your prescription

You will need to choose a pharmacy to collect your prescription from. We call this nominating a pharmacy.

You can change your nominated pharmacy at any time:

• on the app or website where you order repeat prescriptions
• fill out a nominate a pharmacy or other dispenser form
• at any pharmacy that accepts repeat prescriptions

We are now requesting that all patients nominate a Pharmacy for the practice to be able to electronically send your repeat prescription to. Please ask your chosen pharmacy for details. Your pharmacy will help you sign up for this service. Once you have done this and ordered a prescription from us by your chosen method your prescription will be sent electronically to your pharmacy and will be ready for collection. Please allow 48 hours from ordering to collecting your prescription.

We can also post your repeat prescription to you. Please provide us with a supply of stamped addressed envelopes to enable us to do this for you. Prescriptions may be collected from surgery between 8am and 6:30pm, Monday to Friday.

Questions about your prescription

If you have questions about your medicine, your local pharmacists can answer these. They can also answer questions on medicines you can buy without a prescription.

The NHS website has information on how your medicine works, how and when to take it, possible side effects and answers to your common questions.

Go to Medicines A to Z (nhs.uk)

If you would like to speak to someone at the GP surgery about your prescription:

• fill out an ask a prescription question form

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 of this should appear on your repeat prescription slip.

Please ensure that you book an appropriate appointment to avoid unnecessary delays to further prescriptions.

New medication

Any new medications prescribed by your hospital doctor need to be ordered using the letter or note given to you by your hospital doctor. We are unable to take these requests over the telephone.

Any new conditions require an appointment to consult with a GP on the phone initially before a prescription can be issued. New patients should arrange a telephone consultation with a GP for their first prescription, making sure that we have details of their medication before the telephone consultation. You could ask your former GP Practice of a print out of your current medication or let us have a copy of the tear off sheet from your last prescription which will list your repeat medication.

Prescription charges

Extensive exemption and remission arrangements protect those likely to have difficulty in paying charges. This includes 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, also known as PCGs, offer real savings for people who need extensive medication.

Find out more about prescription charges (nhs.uk).

You can also find out if you are entitled to free prescriptions.

What to do with old medicines

Take it to the pharmacy you got it from or bring it in to the surgery. Do not put it in your household bin or flush it down the toilet.

About pharmacists

As qualified healthcare professionals, pharmacists can offer advice on minor illnesses such as:

• coughs
• colds
• sore throats
• tummy trouble
• aches and pains

They can also advise on medicine that you can buy without a prescription.

Find a pharmacy (nhs.uk)

Many pharmacies are open until late and at weekends. You do not need an appointment.

Most pharmacies have a private room where you can discuss issues with pharmacy staff.