Prescriptions

Repeat Prescriptions

Repeat medication can be ordered:

Those patients on regular medication are allowed a certain number of repeats of this medication without seeing the Doctor or Nurse.
The number of repeats is decided on by the Doctor or Nurse, who will want to review your progress from time to time.

One month’s supply of drugs will normally be supplied on each occasion. Repeat prescription requests will be dealt with within two working days of receipt, however you must allow up to 7 days in total before collecting from your chosen pharmacy.

Dispensing Medicines

Patients who live within one mile of a Dispensing Chemist are obliged to have their prescriptions dispensed by a Pharmacist. Other patients may have their medicines dispensed at the surgery. We can advise you if you are in any doubt as to your rights. These are Government regulations and unfortunately we have no discretion in the matter.

Prescriptions charges are set at the current rate by the Government and should be paid as your drugs are collected. We are obliged to ask for proof of exemption to charges and you will be asked to sign the back of the prescription indicating your entitlement to free medicines.

Collecting your prescription

You can usually collect your prescription from the pharmacy 3 to 5 working days after you have ordered it.

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 your GP practice
  • 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.

If you would like to speak to someone at the GP surgery about your prescription:

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 (nhs.uk).

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.

Many pharmacies are open until late and at weekends. You do not need an appointment.

Most pharmacies have a private consultation room where you can discuss issues with pharmacy staff without being overheard.


Electronic Prescription Service

Prescriptions can now be sent directly to your pharmacy of choice using EPS2.

If you pickup your medication from the dispensary at St Faiths surgery you will continue to collect them from there.

For all other patients – i.e. those patients who pick up their medication from a pharmacy, you can choose to nominate a pharmacy and if you do so your prescription will be sent electronically to them. This will mean you no longer need to come to the surgery to pick up your repeat prescription. If a GP issues medication whilst in a consultation this will also be sent straight to the pharmacy and you won’t be issued with the paper prescription.

You can nominate a pharmacy either at the surgery or at the pharmacy you wish to collect your medication from.

You can choose not to nominate and if this is the case your prescription will still be sent electronically and you will be given a token to take into any pharmacy.