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 Patient Access
These accounts show you all your repeat medicine and dosage and you can choose the ones you need.
You can also bring the paper form to the surgery, Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 6.30pm
We do not take repeat prescription requests over the phone.
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.
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 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 consultation room where you can discuss issues with pharmacy staff without being overheard.
New Patients
If you are a new resident to the area and plan to join this practice please ensure that you have at least 6 weeks supply of medication from your previous surgery.
We will not be able to provide a prescription until your medical record is received from your previous surgery.
Current patients on repeat medication
Please allow two-three working days (48-72 hours) notice for prescription processing. We will accept early requests to cover the Bank Holiday periods and also holidays- just make a note on your request slip.
If you are going on holiday please put your request in at least a week ahead and indicate on the slip that you are going away.
One off prescriptions will take longer than two working days (48 hrs) as they need to be re-authorised.
Over the Counter Products
Most common conditions such as backache, headache or cough can be treated at home and for most people they are not serious health problems. Many common conditions can be treated at home with the support of your local pharmacy if needed. Over the counter products for self-care are things like pain relief and cough and cold remedies.
These items can be bought from pharmacies, supermarkets and discount stores without a prescription. You can get them without an appointment or seeing a doctor. They are also often cheaper this way.
Only Order What You Need
Please remember to only order what you need. Medicines waste costs around £9 million a year in South East London which could be used on vital NHS services.
You can reduce your waste by:
- Checking what medicines you still have at home before ordering your prescription.
- Only ticking the boxes on your repeat prescription forms for medicines you really need.
- If you use the electronic prescription service, telling your pharmacist if they give you medicines you’re no longer using or already have enough of at home.
- Telling your GP or pharmacist if you’ve stopped taking any medicines, so they can be removed from your repeat list.
- Not stockpiling medicines.
- Ordering online via your GP website which may also be quicker and more convenient for you.