Repeat Prescriptions
If you are on long term medication, e.g. for asthma or diabetes, then, to make things easier for you, the doctor may give you a repeat prescription. You will be given your usual prescription and an attached re-ordering slip. To obtain further prescriptions, hand in the re-order slip at reception and a repeat prescription will be prepared for you to collect.
You may also send us the re-order slip in the post and collect the prescription here or enclose a stamped addressed envelope and we will post it back to you. Large numbers of requests for repeat prescriptions are processed daily. We are not able to do telephone prescription orders because of the numbers involved and the concern that mistakes may be made but requests may be faxed on 0115 981 3117.
On-Line Prescription Ordering
This is available in the same way as On-Line Appointments and can be accessed via the NHS app. When you logon to the app you will be able to access a screen in which you can enter the drugs you require from your list of repeat items. This is then automatically requested on the practice computer and processed in the normal way. The same security applies and it is not possible for anyone else to access your records or list of medications.
The Electronic Prescription Service (EPS)
The Electronic Prescription Service (EPS) is an NHS service. It gives you the chance to change how your GP sends your prescription electronically to the pharmacy of your choice.
What does this mean for you?
- If you collect your repeat prescriptions from your GP you will not have to visit your GP practice to pick up your paper prescription. Instead, your GP will send it electronically to the pharmacy of your choice, saving you time.
- You will have more choice about where to get your medicines from because they can be collected from a pharmacy near to where you live, work or shop or alternatively to one of the many on-line pharmacies now available who can send you your prescription through the post.
- You may not have to wait as long at the pharmacy as there will be time for your repeat prescriptions to be ready before you arrive.
Is this service right for you?
- Yes, if you have a stable condition and you:
- don’t want to go to your GP practice every time to collect your repeat prescription.
- collect your medicines from the same place most of the time or use a prescription collection service now.
It may not be if you:
- don’t get prescriptions very often.
- pick up your medicines from different places.
How can you use EPS?
You need to choose a place for your GP practice to electronically send your prescription to. This is called nomination. You can choose:
- a pharmacy.
- a dispensing appliance contractor (if you use one).
- your dispensing GP practice (if you are eligible).
Ask any pharmacy or dispensing appliance contractor that offers EPS or your GP practice to add your nomination for you. You don’t need a computer to do this.
Can I change my nomination or cancel it and get a paper prescription?
- Yes you can. If you don’t want your prescription to be sent electronically tell your GP. If you want to change or cancel your nomination speak to any pharmacist or dispensing appliance contractor that offers EPS, or your GP practice. Tell them before your next prescription is due or your prescription may be sent to the wrong place.
Is EPS reliable, secure and confidential?
- Yes. Your electronic prescription will be seen by the same people in GP practices, pharmacies and NHS prescription payment and fraud agencies that see your paper prescription now.
- Sometimes dispensers may see that you have nominated another dispenser. For example, if you forget who you have nominated and ask them to check or, if you have nominated more than one dispenser. Dispensers will also see all the items on your reorder slip if you are on repeat prescriptions.
For more information visit www.hscic.gov.uk/epspatients, your pharmacy or GP practice.
Collections
Local pharmacies also have a collection service so that the items on prescription can be ordered at the practice but picked up ant the pharmacy. For the housebound there is a delivery service. The receptionists and pharmacists can give you the details of how to use these services.
Click here for some FAQs about prescriptions.
Medication Reviews
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.
Please allow two full working days for prescriptions to be processed and remember to take weekends and bank holidays into account.