Prescriptions

Ordering repeat prescriptions

All prescription requests should be made:

• Via the NHS App (PREFFERED) – Request and view repeat prescriptions by logging in to your NHS App.

Please allow 3 working days for prescription requests to be processed via the NHS App.

• In person at the surgery
• Telephone 01268 284285 (For housebound patients only)

For in person and telephone requests please allow 5 working days, along with additional time for your pharmacy to prepare your medications (this can be a further 1-3 working days).

Repeat Prescription Reviews

If you have a regular repeat medication this will periodically need reviewing, (usually annually) please speak to reception at your next visit. It is your responsibility to ensure your medication reviews are up to date, along with any monitoring. Failure to adhere to this may result in your quantity of medication being reduced or stopped.

When your medication is due for review, you won’t be able to order it through the NHS App or Online. Instead of waiting on hold (often up to 30 minutes), we recommend using This Link to submit your request directly to our prescription clerk.

To ensure accuracy and safety, we do not accept repeat medication requests over the phone. (Unless you are housebound)

Electronic Prescribing

The Electronic Prescription Service (EPS) is an NHS service. It gives you the chance to change how your GP sends your prescription to the place you choose to get your medicines or appliances from.

What does this mean for you?

If you collect your repeat prescriptions from your GP you will not have to visit your GP practice to pick up your paper prescription. Instead, your GP will send it electronically to the place you choose, saving you time.

You will have more choice about where to get your medicines from because they can be collected from a pharmacy near to where you live, work or shop.

You may not have to wait as long at the pharmacy as there will be time for your repeat prescriptions to be ready before you arrive.

Over the Counter (Self-Care) Medications

Your GP, nurse or pharmacist will not generally give you a prescription for over-the-counter medicines for a range of minor health concerns. Instead, over-the-counter medicines are available to buy in a pharmacy or supermarket in your local community.

The NHS has been spending around £136 million a year on prescriptions for medicines that can be bought from a pharmacy or supermarket. By reducing the amount the local NHS spends on over-the-counter medicines, we can give priority to treatments for people with more serious conditions, such as cancer, diabetes and mental health problems.

Your local pharmacy team are qualified healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills to help with many health concerns. Pharmacists can give clinical advice, right there and then, and help you choose the most appropriate treatment. If your symptoms suggest it’s more serious, they’ll ensure you get the care you need.

For further information, please visit the NHS website.

The Mid and South Essex Pharmacy and Medicines Optimisation Team develop resources to help reduce the prescribing of over-the-counter medicines. If you would like more information on the resources that the Pharmacy and Medicines Optimisation Team produce, please contact mseicb.enquiries@nhs.net