Repeat Prescriptions
Changes to ordering of repeat prescriptions
As of 6th January 2020 we will no longer be accepting prescription requests on the patient's behalf by their nominated pharmacy. Stopping community pharmacy requests aims to address safety and medication waste. We understand that this change may cause inconvenience to some of our patients and their carers. In exceptional circumstances we will be happy to consider requests from patients for their nominated pharmacy to continue ordering on their behalf.
What does this mean?
This means that from 6th January 2020 you will need to order repeat medications from the practice directly or online rather than from your pharmacy. Please note this affects the prescription request part of the process only.
- Pharmacies can continue to collect prescriptions from the surgery on behalf of patients who request this service.
- Patients who have their prescriptions sent via electronic prescription (EPS) to their preferred pharmacy can continue to use this service.
Ordering Online
Our preferred method for requesting prescriptions is via the SystmOnline or through NHS app (This links directly to our practice system and is automated, therefore there is less risk of error).
To use the system you will need to obtain login details from reception (please ensure you have photo ID with you).
About Repeat Requests
We operate a computerised service for repeat prescriptions.
We do not accept telephone requests for repeat prescriptions.
You can also request further supplies of your medication either
- in person
- by posting your repeat slip to us (with a stamped addressed envelope)
All requests will be available for collection within 48 hours after receiving (excluding bank holidays and weekends).
Please inform the surgery if the hospital makes any changes to your regular medication.
Medication Reviews
Patients on repeat medication will be asked to see a doctor, practice pharmacist 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.
Frequently asked questions
What are repeat prescriptions?
Many patients have a ‘repeat prescription’, meaning that they can regularly receive certain medications without having to see their doctor each time. Some people choose to order repeat prescriptions themselves and others choose to use a pharmacy to order their medications on their behalf.
What is changing?
The way repeat prescriptions are ordered is changing. You will have to order your repeat prescription from the practice yourself. This will only affect you if your medicines are ordered on your behalf by a community pharmacy.
Where and when is this happening?
This has already happened at a number of GP practices throughout Nottingham. It will be rolled out at Churchfields Medical Practice on Monday 6th January 2020.
What is not changing?
If you already order repeat prescriptions from the practice yourself, you will not be affected and do not need to take any action.
Also, the ordering of appliances direct from suppliers will not be changing i.e. stoma bags, catheters.
What do I need to do?
If you have your repeat prescriptions ordered by a pharmacy on your behalf, you’ll need to change the way you order your repeat medicines.
One way to order your repeat prescription is to use the tear off slip on the right-hand side of your prescription and drop it into your practice.
We ask you to only order medicine when needed. Please check how many days’ medicine you have before ordering a new prescription. Please don’t order until you have 7 to 10 days of medicines left. It takes the surgery 2 working days to issue a prescription and you also need to allow time for the pharmacy to dispense your medicines.