Prescriptions

Ordering repeat prescriptions

The easiest ways to order repeat prescriptions are:

These accounts show you all your repeat medicine and dosage and you can choose the ones you need.

You can also tick the medicines you need on the tear-off slip and return it in person using our ‘post box’ system in the surgery reception.

We do not take repeat prescription requests over the phone or email.

Checking if Your Prescription is Ready

Once your prescription request has been approved, the pharmacy can begin preparing it.

Each prescription can include up to four medicines. If you’re expecting more than four, you will see multiple prescriptions in the NHS App.

You may be able to track the progress of your prescriptions by selecting Your approved prescriptions from the homepage. Choose the relevant prescription to view its details and the status of each medicine. This tracking feature is being rolled out gradually, so not all users will have access immediately.

Your prescriptions and medicines may be labeled as:

  • Pharmacy preparing prescription – The pharmacy is working on it, and no delays are expected. No need to contact them.
  • Pharmacy preparing medicine – The medicine is being prepared.
  • Part ready to collect – Some medicines are available, but others may be out of stock. You can wait until it’s fully ready or collect the available portion if needed urgently.
  • Part ready for delivery – Similar to the above, but for deliveries.
  • Ready to collect – Your prescription is fully prepared and ready for pickup.
  • Ready for delivery – Your prescription is ready to be delivered.
  • Cancelled – The prescription has been cancelled.
  • Cancelled by pharmacy – The pharmacy has cancelled the prescription.
  • Collected – The prescription has been picked up.
  • Dispatched by pharmacy – The prescription has been sent out for delivery.
  • This pharmacy does not provide tracking – Tracking is not available for this pharmacy.

If your prescription is marked as cancelled, it may be due to:

  • A change in your treatment plan.
  • An issue with how the medicine was prescribed.

For details on why a prescription or medicine was cancelled, contact your GP surgery. If it was cancelled by the pharmacy, reach out to them directly.

Collecting your prescription

You can usually collect your prescription from the pharmacy 3 to 5 working days after you have ordered it.

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 your GP practice
  • at any pharmacy that accepts repeat prescriptions

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, please speak to reception. They will try to answer your queries if they can and for anything clinical, they will pass it on to a Clinical Pharmacists or another clinical staff member. 

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.

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 into 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 consultation room where you can discuss issues with pharmacy staff without being overheard.