Prescriptions

Ordering repeat prescriptions

The easiest ways to order repeat prescriptions are:

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

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

You can also:

• request in person – fill in a prescription request form or underline the items needed on the tear-off side of your prescription and drop it into the surgery. Please do not order any medications you do not need
• send by post – if a stamped addressed envelope is supplied, your prescription can be returned via Royal Mail

We do not take repeat prescription requests over the phone or email.

How to order a non-repeat prescription

If you have an ongoing problem and would like another prescription of a medication previously prescribed to you by the doctor (but not on your repeat list) you may request another prescription. Please let us know the reason for your request and a contact number, in order for the doctor to review your request.

You can make the request using the GP online system: Patient Access.

Emergency prescription requests

Emergency prescription requests are requests for medication which you have run out of and need, to prevent you becoming severely unwell. Emergency medications include; antiepileptic medication, insulin, inhalers and adrenaline pens for anaphylaxis.

Emergency prescription requests cannot be used for medication which has been ordered late. You should allow up to 2 working days for routine repeat prescription requests. Please respect our staff, as it is your responsibility to ensure that your repeat prescription request is ordered in plenty of time.

New patient prescriptions

If you normally take regular repeat medication please let us know by:

• giving us a copy of your repeat prescription slip
• give us a copy of your medication label on your medication box or bottle which has your name, medication dosage and date

The prescribing pharmacist will check your medication list and put them on the repeats list but we recommend you make an appointment with the doctor or pharmacist to have a medication review within the first month of registering with the surgery.

It can take a couple of weeks for your previous records to be delivered to us from your last GP surgery. If you need medication before that, you can bring in your repeat slip and request your medication. Your doctor might need to contact you about your medication request. 

Please allow up to 2 working days for a prescription request.

Collecting your prescription

Why does it take 2 working days to process a repeat prescription request?

At Dormers Wells Medical Centre prescriptions are requested every day.

Our prescription clerk has to check your medical records to ensure that your medication request is on your repeat prescription, it then goes to our clinical pharmacist or doctor to authorise and ensure that it is still appropriate for you. Once authorised, our reception team will file your prescription ready for collection.

Delays may occur if any medication requested is not on your repeat prescription list or if your medication request differs from what is on your list. Your doctor may also request that you make an appointment to have your medication reviewed.

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 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

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

Find out more about prescription charges.

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

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.