Ordering repeat prescriptions
You can order repeat prescriptions 7 days before your medication is due. The easiest ways to order repeat prescriptions are:-
- using your NHS account (through the NHS website or in the NHS App)
- using the GP online system: SystmOnline
These accounts show you all your repeat medicine and dosage and you can choose the ones you need.
You can also:
- fill in a prescription request form at reception and leave the request in the box provided
- phone the medicines order line on 0115 8550260
We do not take repeat prescription requests on the surgery phone line or email.
Medicines order line (MOL)
The medicine order line (MOL) is a convenient way to order your prescriptions via a dedicated telephone line where you will speak to an experienced medicine order line operative.
The MOL is one of many ways for you to order your prescriptions. Our aim is to ensure patients are using a service that most suits them.
Alternatively, you can complete the medicine order line online ordering form (service is available 8am to 4pm Monday to Friday). This is a new and convenient way to order your repeat prescription. The online ordering form is easy to access from most devices, does not require a call back, there is no need to download an app, log in not required and gives the ability to order on behalf of someone else.
Collecting your prescription
You can usually collect your prescription 2 working days after you have ordered it. Please note, Controlled Drugs will not be available for collection until 3 working days before your medication is due.
Do not allow your medicine to nearly run out before asking for more, as there may be a delay and you could be left without your medication.
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
- fill out a nominate a pharmacy form
- at any pharmacy that accepts repeat prescriptions
Prescriptions Fees
Help with NHS costs
In England, around 90% of prescription items are dispensed free. This includes exemptions from charging for those on low incomes, such as:
- those on specific benefits or through the NHS Low Income Scheme
- those who are age exempt
- those with certain medical conditions
- more information is available at NHS Choices
Please visit the below government website for more information:
Hospital prescriptions
Hospital Discharge Medication:- When you are discharged from hospital you are given a supply of between 10-14 days of medication. This allows time for the hospital correspondence to reach us, and be processed. Your records will then be updated with any changes in medication doses and strengths and you will receive a text from the Practice advising of these changes.
Medication following hospital outpatient appointments:– If you have an appointment with a secondary care clinician and they wish your GP to prescribe medication as a result of this consultation they will write to us. We aim to process these letters and issue prescriptions 7 working days from receipt of the letter. Any treatment that the Consultant deems is urgent or should commence within a 5-14 working day period should be supplied by the hospital and the supply will have been given by outpatient services or on a hospital prescription.
Synchronisation of medication
It is easier for you and for us if all of your medication runs together and you can order it at the same time. Sometimes medication gets out of line because changes have been made out of necessity. We can issue one off synchronisation prescriptions to bring your medication into line, but to do this we need you to tell us how many tablets you require of each medication. You can do this by emailing us or letting us know in writing, please ensure to include your name, address and date of birth.
Pharmacy First
The Pharmacy First service builds on the NHS Community Pharmacist Consultation Service which has run since October 2019. The consultation service enables patients to be referred into community pharmacy for a minor illness or an urgent repeat medicine supply.
Accessing Pharmacy First services
The following table shows the 7 conditions pharmacists can manage across various age ranges.
| Clinical pathway | Age range |
| Acute otitis media* | 1 to 17 years |
| Impetigo | 1 year and over |
| Infected insect bites | 1 year and over |
| Shingles | 18 years and over |
| Sinusitis | 12 years and over |
| Sore throat | 5 years and over |
| Uncomplicated urinary tract infections | Women 16-64 years |
Distance selling pharmacies will not complete consultations for acute otitis media.
Patients will be able to access the 7 clinical pathways element via referrals from referring organisations including general practice, urgent and emergency care settings, and NHS 111 (online and via telephone). In addition, for the 7 common conditions clinical pathway consultations only, patients can access the service by attending or contacting the pharmacy directly without the need for referral.
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.
If you would like to speak to someone at the GP surgery about your prescription:
- phone us on Chapel Street Medical Centre 01332 680520 or Mayfield Medical Centre 01332 680530
Medication reviews
Patients taking repeat medications will be asked to see a clinician at least once a year to review these. We will contact you to arrange your medication review.
Prescription charges
Find out more about prescription charges.
What to do with old medicines
Take it to the pharmacy you got it from. 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.
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.