Prescriptions

Electronic prescriptions

Most prescriptions are now signed, sent and processed electronically.

You have 2 choices for how this works:

  • You can choose a pharmacy or dispenser to dispense all your prescriptions. When you get a prescription, it will be sent electronically to the dispenser you have chosen. You can collect your medicines or appliances without having to hand in a paper prescription.
  • You can decide each time you are issued a prescription where you would like it to be dispensed. When you are issued a prescription, you will be given a paper copy that you can take to any pharmacy or other dispenser in England. The paper copy will contain a unique barcode that will be scanned to download your prescription from the secure NHS database.

Paper prescriptions will continue to be available in special circumstances, but almost all prescriptions will be processed electronically.

Choosing a pharmacy or other dispenser

If you get regular prescriptions or are already using a prescription collection service (where a pharmacy collects prescriptions from your GP practice for you) then choosing a pharmacy to dispense all your prescriptions may save you time by avoiding unnecessary trips to your GP.

You will still order your repeat prescriptions in the same way as you do now, but your prescriptions will be sent electronically to the pharmacy or dispenser of your choice.

You will not have to collect a paper repeat prescription from your GP practice.

Cancelling or changing your choice of pharmacist or dispenser

You can change or cancel your choice of dispenser at any time. Simply speak to your GP or pharmacist before you order your next prescription.

You should allow time for the update to take place to avoid your next prescription being sent to the wrong place.

What can I do if I’m unhappy with the process?

You should be provided with information about electronic prescriptions and give your consent before your choice of dispenser is recorded.

If you’re unhappy with your experience, you can complain to the dispenser, your GP practice or your local clinical commissioning group (CCG).

Find out more about the NHS complaints procedure.

Who can see my prescription?

Electronic prescriptions are reliable, secure and confidential.

Your electronic prescription will be seen by the same people in GP practices, pharmacies and NHS prescription payment and fraud agencies that used to see your paper prescription.

They’ll also be able to see whether you have chosen more than 1 dispenser and can check where your prescriptions will be sent to.

If you’re on repeat prescriptions, dispensers will also see all of the items on your re-order slip.

Repeat Prescriptions

There are a variety of ways for patients on long-term medication to order repeat prescriptions.

  • Online – Please register for our online services or complete the medication request form. Both can be found on the home page under Prescriptions and medicines Centre.
  • By hand – drop your computerised repeat slip in the box provided in reception, having clearly marked the items required on the right hand side of the slip.
  • By post – send it to us with a stamped addressed envelope if you want us to post it back to you.
  • By fax – to 01285 641562
  • Via the chemist – Boots, Chesterton, Hortons and The Laurels are happy to bring your prescription requests to the surgery on a daily basis. Simply leave your completed request at the chemist.
  • If you have some medication that isn’t on your repeat list, you can use this form to request it, this form would need to be dropped in to one of our surgeries.

You can either pick up your prescription from the surgery or the local chemists will collect it and have the drugs ready for you at the chemist. You need to indicate on the form which chemist you require the prescription to be sent to.

Please allow 72 working hours for prescriptions to be processed or up to 72 hours if collecting from the chemist.

Remember to take weekends and bank holidays into account.

Dispensing

We dispense at our Phoenix Kemble site. This allows you to collect medication from the surgery. Please ask the receptionists.

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. A reminder of when this is due should appear on your repeat ordering slip. Please ensure that you book an appropriate appointment to avoid unnecessary delays to further prescriptions.

 

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.

NHS Charges

These charges apply in England only. In Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales prescriptions are free of charge.

  • Prescription (per item): £9.15
  • 12-month prepayment certificate (PPC): £104.00
  • 3-month PPC: £29.10

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.

Repeat Requests

Please allow 72 hours, excluding weekends and Bank Holidays, for your request to be processed. Any problems please telephone the surgery.

Patient Information – Over The Counter Medicines