SystmOnline
Ordering Repeat Prescriptions
Please give 72 hours notice for repeat medication requests to avoid a delay in getting medication as we cannot guarantee that the medication will be in stock and we are reliant on deliveries.
A repeat prescription is normally given when you have a stable condition and the doctor expects your medication to remain the same for several months. Your medication will normally be issued for 28 days.
If you require prescriptions for regular and continuing treatment, it is not always necessary to see the doctor each time. Repeat prescriptions are computerised and the tear-off slip at the side will indicate the date your review is due.
We realise that there may be times when you are going away and need to order earlier than usual or you may need more than 28 days medication. If you are travelling abroad, we will be able to issue up to 12 weeks medication. Please speak to the dispenser about this and we will try to help.
You may notice that your medication is listed by generic name rather than brand name with some exceptions: HRT, oral contraceptives, injections, lithium and slow release medication. Please ask your doctor or dispenser if you have any queries about this.
Ordering Your Prescription
You can order your repeat prescriptions in the following ways:
- Online via your SystmOnline account or via the NHS App which is available 24/7 – please note you will need to register first if you have not used before?
- By using our automated telephone system which is available 24/7 – please note you will need to register first if you have not used before
- Using your current repeat request slip – the right hand side of the prescription form and then posting it in the box provided at the surgery
- By telephoning – our lines are very busy. If you are able to use one of the above methods for ordering first this enables the telephone lines to be free for medical support).
Please be aware of the date for your medication review and enquire whether your doctor wishes to see you. We are changing most annual medication reviews to fit in with the month or your birth. This makes them easier to remember.
Non-urgent advice: Important
Collecting Your Medication
If you live within a mile of the surgery, your prescription will be forwarded to the local pharmacy who will dispense it for you.
Alternatively, you may collect the prescription from the surgery and take it to a chemist of your choice. If you live further than a radial mile you are classed as a dispensing patient and your medication will be dispensed by us.
If you are exempt from prescription payment, please bring proof of this when collecting your medication.
Dispensing patients, please give three working days notice to allow us to get your medicine ready. This does not include bank holidays and weekends.
Out of Hours Medicines
If you have a Prescription
If you already have a prescription and urgently need the medicine, you should be able to get your medicine from any pharmacy, as long as they have your medication in stock.
If you’d like to speak to someone first, call NHS 111 free of charge on your mobile or landline. The person you speak to will be able to locate an out of hours pharmacy or other NHS service in your area.
You can also visit a local walk in centre. These can sometimes dispense medicines after a consultation.
If it’s a real emergency and you’ve tried all of the above unsuccessfully, you should visit an accident and emergency unit.
If you don’t have a Prescription
If you run out of prescription medicine and don’t have a prescription with you, you should be able to get an emergency supply from a pharmacy.
It’s a good idea to take an old prescription or the medicine’s packaging with you, if you have it.
If you don’t need a Prescription
If you need a non prescription medicine, such as paracetamol or an antacid, and you can’t find an open pharmacy, supermarkets, newsagents and petrol stations may stock a basic range of over the counter medicines.
They often have longer opening hours than high street pharmacies.
Prescription Fees
The NHS Exemption Checking Services (PECS) clearly state that it is the responsibility of the patient, not the dispensary or pharmacy. To check that they are eligible for free prescriptions.
View the cost of prescriptions on the NHS website.
Non-urgent advice: Find out if you are entitled to free prescriptions
The eligibility checker, available at www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/check, tells you within minutes if you’re eligible for free NHS
prescriptions, NHS dental treatment and help with other health costs.
If you’re not automatically entitled, the eligibility checker will show other help available, such as the NHS Low Income Scheme.
If you claim free NHS prescriptions or free or reduced cost NHS dental treatment that you’re not entitled to, you could have to pay a penalty charge of up to £100
Non-urgent advice: HRT PPC now available to reduce the cost of HRT medicines.
The certificate will be valid for 12 months and covers an unlimited number of listed HRT medicines for the cost of two single prescription charges.
You can buy an HRT PPC online at www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/hrt-ppc or in-person at some pharmacies.
Before buying an HRT PPC, check if:
– you’re eligible for free NHS prescriptions using the eligibility checker: www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/check
– your medicine is covered by the HRT PPC. For a list of eligible HRT medication,
visit: www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/hrt-ppc-medicines
– a 3 or 12 month PPC is more suitable for you. It covers all NHS prescriptions, not just HRT items.
Visit: www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/ppc
It is important to check before you buy an HRT PPC as the certificate is non-refundable. If you need help, call 0300 330 2089.