Prescriptions

Ordering repeat prescriptions

The easiest ways to order repeat prescriptions are:

• using your NHS account (through the NHS website or in the NHS App)
• use the Engage Consult service
• By dropping your repeat prescription form into our letterbox
• Providing us with your repeat script and stating:
  • which of the 5 local pharmacies you want to collect your prescription from (please allow 5 working days)
  • if we dispense for you and you will be collecting your prescription from the dispensary at Windrush Medical Practice (please allow 5 working days)

Collecting your prescription

We do not accept repeat prescription requests by phone. This is because drug names are difficult to hear clearly and this could lead to a dangerous event.

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
• use the Engage Consult service and select “contact the practice”
• at any pharmacy that accepts repeat prescriptions

Windrush Medical Practice dispensary

If you live more than a mile from the nearest pharmacy, you are able to benefit from having your medicines supplied direct from the health centre, to find our more visit our dispensary page.

Please note that, this number is not for medication requests, only for urgent enquiries.

Medication requests from hospital

If you are seen in a consultant clinic at the hospital and the doctor thinks that you should start treatment immediately, a 14 day supply of the medication will be prescribed and dispensed by the hospital.

If your consultant asks your GP to consider starting or continuing treatment then they should give the GP notification in adequate time including the diagnosis and drug therapy.

Information about the medication, the clinic attended and if known the name of the doctor who recommended the medication should be provided when making the request.

Once this information is received please allow 3 working days for a prescription to be issued. You do not need to book an appointment.

Prescribing of over the counter medicines is changing

Please download and read the NHS easy ready leaflet (PDF)

28 day prescribing policy

The NHS recognises that a 28-day repeat prescribing interval makes the best possible balance between patient convenience, good medical practice and minimal drug wastage.

The British Medical Association notes that “Prescribing intervals should be in line with the medically appropriate needs of the patient, taking into account the need to safeguard NHS resources, patient convenience, and the dangers of excess drugs in the home.”

The benefits of 28-day prescribing include:

• Reducing the amount of medicine which is currently wasted when your doctor stops or changes your medicine.
• Reducing the potential for error when your medication is changed in the middle of supply.
• Increased safety as you will not have multiple containers of the same medicine meaning it is likely to reduce the number of mistakes made by, for example, elderly patients, and it will also reduce the risk of potential poisoning of young children.
• Many medicines are supplied in 28-day packs, allowing you to check that you have taken your medication each day. You will start and finish the container of each medicine on the same day of the week, meaning it will be easier for your doctor to review all of the repeat medicines you are taking and to see when you have not ordered your medicines.
• Financial losses due to medicines waste represent a direct loss to patient care. Since 28-day prescribing reduces medicines waste, this in turn has a positive impact on patient care.

Studies in the UK and abroad have shown significant savings and a reduction in waste with 28-day prescribing.

NICE Guidelines support 28 day prescribing and recommend that medicines are prescribed for no more than 30 days (prescribing larger quantities puts the supply chain at risk).

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.

Go to Medicines A to Z (nhs.uk)

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

• use the Engage Consult service and select “contact the practice”

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.

If you are seen in a consultant clinic at the hospital and the doctor thinks that you should start treatment immediately, a 14 day supply of the medication will be prescribed and dispensed by the hospital.

If your consultant asks your GP to consider starting or continuing treatment then they should give the GP notification in adequate time including the diagnosis and drug therapy.

Information about the medication, the clinic attended and if known the name of the doctor who recommended the medication should be provided when making the request.

Once this information is received please allow 3 working days for a prescription to be issued. You do not need to book an appointment.

Prescription charges

Find out more about prescription charges (nhs.uk).

Get help with prescription costs

You do not have to pay NHS prescription charges if you have a valid medical exemption certificate. Please ask the dispensary team for a medical exemption form to complete, we will then arrange for the GP to sign.

For more information about help with health costs, obtain leaflet HC11 ‘Help with health costs’, or speak to the dispensing team at this practice.

Remember, if you are under 16 or over 60 years of age you are already exempt from prescription charges.

Private prescriptions

Private prescriptions will be charged depending on the cost of the medication. If the patient chooses to take the prescription away for dispensing then a private prescription fee of £19.20 is payable. If the private prescription is dispensed by the Windrush dispensary then the fee is waived.

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.

Find a pharmacy (nhs.uk)

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

Most pharmacies have a private room where you can discuss issues with pharmacy staff.