Prescriptions

How to request a Repeat Prescription

You can obtain repeat prescriptions by any of the following methods:

  • Online via our website.
  • Ordering them via online services. If you are not yet signed up for online services, please download the NHS App.
  • Online through Patient Access.
  • By post with a stamped self-addressed envelope.
  • In person by ticking the boxes on the white right-hand side of your prescription and either handing it to the Receptionist or putting it in the box on the wall outside the surgery door.

Please note: we can only accept requests for prescriptions over the phone for housebound patients.

Please allow at least three working days for your prescription to be prepared.

Electronic Prescription Service – EPS

Our policy is to send all prescription requests electronically to the patient’s local nominated pharmacy.

This is called the Electronic Prescription Service (EPS) and means there is no need for a patient to come into the surgery to collect a paper prescription.

EPS is an NHS service which is safe, secure and confidential.

If you would like to sign up to this service, please complete our online form, speak to a Receptionist or to your local pharmacist.

Housebound patients

If you are housebound, you can request your prescriptions by telephone and we can also arrange for the pharmacy to deliver your prescription if you do not have anyone to collect it for you. Please advise us if you have a preferred pharmacy.

Disposal of Medications

Please dispose of out-of-date prescriptions carefully. They can be returned to any pharmacy for disposal.

Do not bring them to the surgery for disposal or place them in standard domestic waste.

Ensure that your prescription drugs are stored at home out of reach of children.

New Medication

If you think you may need a new medication, why not visit the NHS Choices Medication Directory to find out if you can buy it over the counter or to find a local pharmacy who can advise you.

Alternatively, make an appointment for a consultation with our Pharmacist. 

Medication Reviews

Patients on repeat medication will be asked to speak to a doctor or clinical pharmacist at least once a year, to review these regular medications. Please ensure that you book an appropriate appointment to avoid unnecessary delays to further prescriptions.

Prescriptions Charges and Exemptions

You can view the cost of prescriptions on the NHS website. You can also find out if you are entitled to free prescriptions

Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC)

If you know you’ll have to pay for a lot of NHS prescriptions, it may be cheaper to buy a prescription prepayment certificate (PPC) – effectively a prescription “season ticket”.

A PPC covers all your NHS prescriptions, including NHS dental prescriptions, no matter how many items you need.

But it does not cover the cost of other health items, such as the provision of wigs and fabric supports, which are only provided through the hospital service.

There are 2 PPC options to choose from:

  • The 3-month PPC costs £30.25 and will save you money if you need more than 3 prescribed items in 3 months.
  • The 12-month PPC costs £108.10 and will save you money if you need more than 11 prescribed items in a year.

How much can I save?

If you need:

  • 2 items each month – you can save £116.30 with a 12-month PPC
  • 3 items each month – you can save £228.50 with a 12-month PPC
  • 4 items each month – you can save £340.70 with a 12-month PPC

There are several payment options available. If you choose the 12-month PPC, you can pay for this upfront, or by 10 monthly direct debit instalments.

Check the current costs for NHS prescriptions.

How to apply for a PPC

Check if you’re entitled to free prescriptions before you apply for a PPC.

It’s quickest to buy a PPC online. The PPC will start from the day you submit your application, unless you request a different start date, but the start date must be within 1 month before or after the date of your application.

If you prefer talking to someone, you can call the PPC order line on 0300 330 1341. Your certificate will be valid from the day you make the phone call, unless you request otherwise.

Make sure you have your bank details or credit or debit card details ready.

You can receive your certificate details by email if you provide an email address, print them at the end of your online application, or receive the details by post.

Although a PPC is valid from the day of your application (unless otherwise requested), it may take a couple of days to receive the details of your certificate by post. If you pay prescription charges while you’re waiting for the details to arrive, you can get a refund, as long as you get an NHS refund form (FP57) when you pay.