Prescriptions

Ordering repeat prescriptions

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 Access

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

You can also:

• bring the paper form to the surgery, Monday to Friday during opening hours
  – you can also post the form to the surgery
• call the surgery to order: Weobley via 01544 318177, or Staunton-on-Wye via 01981 500603.

We do not take repeat prescription requests over email.

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Collecting your prescription

Please allow 72 hours (3 full working days) for prescriptions to be processed and remember to take weekends and bank holidays into account. Prescriptions requested after 11:30am on Friday, will not be ready for collection until after 11:30am on Tuesday.

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
• at your GP practice
• at any pharmacy that accepts repeat prescriptions

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:

• phone our pharmacist after 10am: Weobley via 01544 318177, or Staunton-on-Wye via 01981 500603
• fill in our medication query form.

Medication reviews

If you have a repeat prescription, we may ask you to come in for a regular review. We will be in touch when you need to come in for a review.

Prescription charges

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. 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 15 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 online

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

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 consultation room where you can discuss issues with pharmacy staff without being overheard.

Automatic Repeat Dispensing Service

The Partners and Staff at the Practice have been looking at ways in which we can enhance the service that we provide to patients that use the services of our dispensaries. The workload has also been steadily increasing; with this in mind, when collecting your medications you will be asked to order for the following month and will be given the date that your medications will be ready for collection from the Dispensary of your choice.

This will allow you to rest assured that your medications have been ordered within plenty of time, saving last minute requests for medications, reduce the need to wait for items that may be on order and allow the staff to manage the dispensing process more efficiently.

You can also be notified of your medications being available for collection be receiving a text message to your mobile or house phone as part of the free service.

Should you have any queries or concerns please contact a member of the Dispensing Team who will be more than happy to help.

Please be aware that it is sometimes necessary to order medication in especially for you. You are therefore respectfully requested to give as much notice as possible for your repeat prescriptions especially during extremely busy periods, eg. Bank Holidays, Christmas breaks.