Electronic Repeat Dispensing
If you or someone you care for uses the same medicines regularly, you may be able to benefit from electronic repeat prescriptions. This means you won't have to re-order or collect your repeat prescriptions from your GP practice every time you need more medicine.
80% of prescriptions issued are repeat prescriptions. Issuing a batch of repeat prescriptions could save GP time which they could use to see patients.
After you have given verbal consent, your prescriber will prescribe your regular medication electronically for the agreed period (3,6,12 months) releasing 28 day’s supply per issue to your nominated community pharmacy.
All prescriptions issued are stored on the NHS spine.
When you need your first issue of medicine, phone your nominated community pharmacy and they can issue your medication and it will be ready 24 hours later.
When your prescription is due again, do the same again and so on.
You don’t have to get every item listed on your prescription every time. If you have got enough of one medicine, tell the pharmacist. You should also tell the pharmacist about any other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription items and herbal medicines. If you have stopped taking any of your medicines tell the pharmacist.
Ordering non-repeat medication
If you need to order extra items that are not included on your Electronic repeat dispensing prescription e.g. creams, ointments, inhalers, GTN spray, paracetamol and seasonal medication, then remember to order these items at your Practice. The Practice will generate a separate prescription which can be sent to your community pharmacy for dispensing electronically.
When the community pharmacy have issued nearly all your repeat dispensing issues they will tell you to make an appointment to see your GP and have a medication review where your GP will check all your medication and re-authorise your electronic repeat dispensing. If you need blood tests the practice will inform the pharmacy that you need a blood test and they will ask you to make an appointment to have blood tests before the GP appointment so that your Doctor will have all the information they need.
If you pay for your prescriptions, you will have to pay the prescription charge every time you get a prescription, unless you buy a prepayment certificate.
Nominate pharmacy
The Electronic Prescription Service (EPS) is an NHS service. It allows you to have your prescription sent directly to your choice of pharmacy.
For further information on:
- Choosing a pharmacy or other dispenser
- Cancelling or changing your choice of pharmacist or dispenser
- What can I do if I’m unhappy with the process?
Go to Electronic prescriptions.nhs.uk.
Benefits for patients
No need to contact the surgery to reorder
Retain continuity with the pharmacy
You can request the next issue early if going on holiday
Repeat Dispensing Patient Information Leaflet