Ordering repeat prescriptions
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, or the app version (Airmid)
These accounts show you all your repeat medicine and dosage and you can choose the ones you need.
You can also:
- fill out a repeat prescriptions request form
- using your paper repeat slip and leaving your request at the surgery in our black post box
We do not take repeat prescription requests over the phone or email.
Collecting your prescription
You can usually collect your prescription 3 working days after you have ordered it. Remember to take weekends and bank holidays into account.
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
- at the surgery or fill out a nominate a pharmacy or other dispenser form
- at any pharmacy that accepts repeat prescriptions
Reducing medicines waste
In order to reduce medicines waste and improve safety, we are asking patients to take these simple steps when ordering repeat medicines:
- Check which medicines you still have at home before re-ordering – only order what you need. You and/or your carer are the best people to know which medicines you need each time.
- Some medicines may not need to be re-ordered every time if you don’t take/use them every day or you already have enough.
- If you do not order a medicine because you have enough at home, you can still request it in the future; it will not be removed from your repeat medicines list.
- Let your GP or pharmacist know if you have stopped taking, or have concerns about any of your medicines. Regular discussions about your medicines will mean you get the right help with taking them.
- Unused medicines kept at home are a safety risk to children and to others.
- Unwanted medicines cannot be recycled or used by anyone else in the UK or overseas, even if the medicines are unopened. Return out-of-date and unwanted medicines to a local pharmacy, where they will be disposed of safely.
- Never dispose of your unwanted medicines by putting them in the bin. Never flush them down the sink or toilet.
If everyone makes small changes then together we can make a big difference in reducing medicines waste and looking after our NHS.
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)
Medication reviews
If you have a repeat prescription, we may ask you to have a medication review. We will be in touch when you need a medication review.
Prescription charges
Find out more about prescription charges (nhs.uk).
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.
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.