Prescription Ordering and Information

Can't use the nhs app? 

You can order repeat and acute prescriptions via our online form here

Repeat medication is treating stable chronic or long term conditions.  These are often reviewed at the annual review or sooner if the condition changes.

The easiest way to order your repeat prescription is to do this on the NHS App or NHS Website. 

Acute medication is medication that is under close review for new conditions.  Contraception and all one-off courses like antibiotics are acute.  Acute means the clinician doesn't want another prescription to be issued without reviewing the patient first - either by speaking to them or reviewing test results.  A medication will often start off as acute but then be moved to repeat once the clinician is happy that it is working well and needs to continue.

Acute medication isn’t available to order on the NHS App however you can order these online via our online consultation form

Repeat dispensing is for medication where the condition is stable and the dose is unlikely to change month to month, for example hypothyroidism or controlled hypertension.  A batch of prescriptions is sent to the pharmacy for them to hold for the patient.  This is more convenient for the surgery, pharmacy and patient as the admin involved in ordering a prescription from the surgery only needs to be done once every few months.

See below information on Electronic Repeat Dispensing (eRD)

If you get regular or repeat prescriptions, you could save time by switching to electronic Repeat Dispensing (eRD).

eRD sends your prescriptions electronically from your GP surgery to a pharmacy of your choice. It’s easy to use and you don't need a computer or electronic device. Ask your GP or pharmacist to set it up for you.

eRD allows your GP to prescribe your regular medicines for up to a year. It’s reliable, secure and confidential. Your regular prescriptions are stored securely on the NHS database, so they'll be ready at the pharmacy each time you need them.

Using eRD you can:

• save time by avoiding unnecessary trips or calls to your GP every time you need to order a repeat prescription
• order or cancel your repeat prescriptions online (if your GP practice offers this service)
• pick up your repeat prescriptions directly from your pharmacy without having to visit your GP
• spend less time waiting for your prescription in the pharmacy or GP practice
• save paper – you won’t need a paper prescription to collect your medicine from the pharmacy

For more information about eRD and how it works, give us a call, ask your pharmacy, or visit the NHS website: https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/pharmacies-gp-practices-and-appliance-contractors/prescribing-and-dispensing/electronic-repeat-dispensing-erd

When you order a prescription online, you can have your prescription sent electronically to a pharmacy of your choice. This is called a nomination.

Once you nominate a pharmacy:

• you will no longer need to collect paper prescriptions from your GP surgery
• your nominated pharmacy will receive your prescriptions until you change or remove your nomination
• any outstanding prescriptions you have ordered may still arrive at your current nominated pharmacy

You can nominate a high street pharmacy by using the NHS App or logging into the NHS website using a web browser. A high street pharmacy is where you collect your medicines in person. They may also deliver to your home.

Online-only pharmacies send your medicines in the post. To nominate an online-only pharmacy, you must register with the pharmacy through their website or contact them. It's not possible to nominate an online-only pharmacy in your NHS App.

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 should appear on your repeat slip.

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

Help with NHS costs

In England, around 90% of prescription items are dispensed free. This includes exemptions from charging for those on low incomes, such as:

• those on specific benefits or through the NHS Low Income Scheme
• those who are age exempt
• those with certain medical conditions
• More information is available at NHS Choices

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 14 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 On-line https://services.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/buy-prescription-prepayment-certificate/start

There is further information about prescription exemptions and fees on the NHS website.

Paper prescription forms are changing. Exemption boxes on the back of prescription forms are being updated to make it easier for
eligible patients to correctly claim free NHS prescriptions and avoid penalty charges. For more information, visit:

www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/prescription-forms