Prescriptions
The prescription phone line is closing on 1st July 2023. After this date you can request your prescriptions:
- On SystmOne online. Click below:
- By email at reception.westernroadsurgerybillericay@nhs.net
- By coming to reception and handing in a repeat slip of piece of paper with your name and DOB on. There are slips at reception to fill in if you don't have the repeat slip from your last prescription.
The vast majority of prescriptions can be sent electronically to your pharmacy of choice. Please make sure this is kept updated on your notes by telling a member of staff or on SystmOne online. Rarely they cannot be sent and you may be called to arrange to collect the paper prescription. If there are any problems with your request you will be contacted that day, otherwise our local pharmacies are asking for between 48 hours and 96 hours to prepare prescriptions so please request your prescriptions in good time.
You will need a medication review at least once a year for your repeat medications. This may be possible remotely, but you will be contacted if you need blood tests or blood pressure readings to be taken.
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Prescription Charges and Exemptions
You can get free prescriptions if you are over 60, under 16, under 18 in full time education, hold a war pension exemption, are on income support, income-based job seekers allowance or employment support allowance, pension credit guarantee, or in certain circumstances on Universal Credit.
If you are pregnant or have had a baby in the last year, your midwife will provide you with a Maternity Exemption Form which allows free prescriptions.
If you have multiple prescriptions you may benefit from buying a Pre-Pay certificate. This costs £31.25 for 3 months of prescriptions, or £111.60 for 12 months. These can be purchased at the pharmacy or online at:
https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/help-nhs-prescription-costs/nhs-prescription-prepayment-certificate-ppc
If you have 3 or more prescriptions for HRT in one year you would benefit from getting an HRT Pre-Payment Certificate (HRT PPC). This costs £19.30 (at time of writing) for 1 year of prescriptions. These can be purchased at the pharmacy or online at:
https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/help-nhs-prescription-costs/nhs-hormone-replacement-therapy-prescription-prepayment-certificate-hrt-ppc
If you have any of the following conditions, please contact reception for a Medical Exemption form:
- cancer, including the effects of cancer or the effects of current or previous cancer treatment
- a permanent fistula (for example, a laryngostomy, colostomy, ileostomy or some renal dialysis fistulas) requiring continuous surgical dressing or an appliance
- a form of hypoadrenalism (for example, Addison's disease) for which specific substitution therapy is essential
- diabetes insipidus or other forms of hypopituitarism
- diabetes mellitus, except where treatment is by diet alone
- hypoparathyroidism
- myasthenia gravis
- myxoedema (hypothyroidism requiring thyroid hormone replacement)
- epilepsy requiring continuous anticonvulsive therapy
- a continuing physical disability that means you cannot go out without the help of another person (temporary disabilities do not count, even if they last for several months)