IMPORTANT UPDATE REGARDING PRESCRIPTIONS – PLEASE READ BELOW:
As from the 1st March 2022, Dr Killy & Partners will no longer accept repeat prescription requests from a third party on your behalf i.e. from all community and online pharmacies. Therefore, moving forward, you the patient will be responsible for and able to order your prescription medication directly through the surgery, you can do this by:
* Signing up to our online services
* Place your repeat prescription in the prescription box near reception
* Email us: whcprescriptions@nhs.net
If you already have a nominated pharmacy on your record, the prescription request will still go electronically to them (You do not need to collect from the surgery).
You, a relative or carer will be able to order your repeat prescription no more than 7 days before you are due to run out of your medication, this will ensure the surgery processes your request in time. The simplest way to order your repeat medication is via our online ordering system: ‘SystmOnline’ or ‘myGP’ app. Once signed up, you can order your medication from any computer, smart phone or tablet. If you would like to sign up to the online ordering service, please visit the surgery and speak to reception. You can also email us your repeat prescription request to whcprescriptions@nhs.net If you do have access to the internet, you (or a relative / carer) can either post your repeat slip to us at the above address or place in the box near reception.
Please note that we DO NOT take repeat requests over the phone
Please note that this change does not apply if you are on blister packs/dosette boxes or are referred to an Appliance Contractor, your pharmacy/contractor can continue to order your medication on your behalf.
Another way to obtain your medication is via the electronic repeat dispensing service. If you regularly get a prescription for the same medicine(s), this service is of benefit to you. Your doctor will give your chosen pharmacy permission to dispense a series of prescriptions for you. This means you or your pharmacy do not need to arrange repeat prescriptions; you can go straight to your chosen pharmacy to collect when you are next due.
By using the electronic repeat dispensing service, you will save time for you and your GP practice and also help cut NHS spending by processing fewer paper prescriptions. If you would like to find out whether you are eligible for the electronic repeat dispensing service, please email the surgery whcprescriptions@nhs.net with the subject line ‘Electronic Repeat Dispensing’. Alternatively, the service may be offered to you when you next visit the surgery.
Please note that electronic repeat dispensing is not suitable for everyone, for example if you take controlled medication. If you are eligible, the number of repeat prescriptions will be determined by how frequently your doctor requests that you have a medication review (usually every 12 months).
The surgery has the support of Mid-Essex Clinical Commissioning Group with this initiative. We hope that you will work with us to improve patient safety and reduce waste of medication and resources. Enclosed are some frequently asked questions, if you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
FAQs
What is the rationale behind this change?
There is currently a vast amount of medication wastage every year which also means a huge waste of NHS money. This money could be invested more wisely, such as in crucial NHS treatments and services.
Why can’t the pharmacy hand in my repeat request slip on my behalf?
We believe that you, the patient (or an appointed friend, carer or relative) are the best placed people to order your repeat medication. By checking your medication cupboards at home, you could help reduce waste by only ordering what you need, when you need it to avoid stock piling.
Is this to save money?
No. This is to re-invest the money that would have been spent on medication that was not required.
When do I order my repeat prescription?
Order your repeat prescription no more than 7 days before you are due to run out and not earlier. If you are on electronic repeat dispensing, your pharmacy will inform you when you collect your last batch of your medication. You will then need to contact the surgery as your doctor might want to see you for a review before giving permission for another series of prescriptions.
How do I order my repeat prescription?
Sign up to online services ‘SystmOnline’ or ‘myGP’ app
Post your repeat slip to the surgery
Put your repeat slip into the allocated box near reception
Email your request to whcprescriptions@nhs.net
A friend, relative or carer can assist you with any of the above means of ordering your repeat prescription.
What if I do not have access to the internet?
You can either send us your request by post or drop the slip off at the surgery.
Can a relative drop my repeat prescription request to the practice?
Yes. A friend, carer or relative can drop off the request on your behalf.
I already request my repeat online, do I have to re-register?
No.
Does this change apply to everyone in my household?
It applies to anyone that relies on their chosen pharmacy to manage and order their medication. If you do not take repeat medication and you only receive prescriptions occasionally, this change will not affect you.
Does this change apply to patients on blister packs / dosette boxes?
No. Vulnerable patients are exempt from any changes and can continue to use their pharmacy as required. The practice and pharmacy will work together to ensure that these patients are catered for and any medication is not wasted.