Byhowbeck
Repeat Prescriptions
You may request repeat prescriptions until your doctor requires a review. Ordering prescriptions online is easy, register today on NHS App, alternatively you can post your request through the surgeries secure letter box or call your nominated pharmacy and order via telephone. All repeat prescriptions are now electronic and sent to your nominated pharmacy for your collection or delivery.
*Please do NOT book GP telephone appointments for requesting repeat prescriptions.
Regular repeat prescriptions are reviewed by our clinical pharmacist. In preparation for the review you may be asked to have an investigation such as a blood test, to ensure the medications are safe for you. At the review, we will discuss your medication in the context of your treatment, how you feel about your medicines, your compliance and any concerns you may have. We also help align the medication on the repeat prescription and reconcile them with instructions from other clinics you may be attending.
Our clinical pharmacist can also help with any prescription queries such as ‘I’ve been discharged from hospital with a new medicine but it is not on my repeat prescription’ or ‘I am out of line with my medicines, I need them re-aligning’. Please do not hesitate to contact our clinical pharmacist or our prescription clerk for assistance.
We are also working closely with our local chemists in respect to medicine shortages. So, whenever there is a supply concern, we aim to find a safe and suitable alternative for you in a proactive manner.
If you are on regular repeat prescriptions and have been so for many years – we can consider the electronic repeat dispensing service for you. This is where we work closely with your local chemist to ensure timely prescriptions are issued and managed by the chemist. It is a new and efficient way of getting your medicines. Please speak to our prescription clerk for further information.
Please allow 48 hours, excluding weekends and Bank Holidays, for your request to be processed. Any problems please telephone the surgery.
Prescriptions Charges and Exemptions
Extensive exemption and remission arrangements protect those likely to have difficulty in paying charges (NHS prescription and dental charges, optical and hospital travel costs).
The NHS prescription charge is a flat-rate amount which successive Governments have thought it reasonable to charge for those who can afford to pay for their medicines. Prescription prepayment certificates (PPCs) offer real savings for people who need extensive medication.
NHS charges
From 1 April 2009, the charges are:
Prescription (per item): £8.05
12-month prepayment certificate (PPC): £104.00
3-month PPC: £29.10
If you will have to pay for four or more prescription items in three months, or more than 14 items in 12 months, you may find it cheaper to buy a PPC. The charge for a single prescription item is £8.05, whereas a three month PPC will cost you £29.10 and a 12 month PPC £104.00.
Telephone advice and order line 0300 330 1341
General Public – Buy or Renew a PPC On-line
There is further information about prescription exemptions and fees on the NHS website
Repeat Prescriptions Requests
Prescription Timescale
All prescriptions will be sent to your nominated pharmacy within 48 hours of their request.
Prescription Quantities
In most instances prescription repeats will be issued for 28 days. There is evidence this avoids wastage. However the clinician may at his discretion authorise repeats for up to 56 days in certain circumstances.
In the case of contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy, scripts will be issued for 6 months.
Patients 75+ and over will only be given repeat prescriptions in 1 month quantities.
Authorised repeat quantities
Repeat prescriptions will be authorised at the doctor’s discretion for up to twelve months. Our Clinical Pharmacist will complete a medication review when the prescription issue date is due. Depending on the medication some patients may require investigations prior to their review and some may only require a telephone call. Out practice will advise you in advance of this.
It is important that we continue to monitor and carry out medication reviews for our patients safety. We may not be able to continue prescribing if a patients review is not completed.
Dose equivalence
Items should be aligned, where possible, such that they expire on the same date. If quantities require amending to bring them into line, this may be attended to by our Clinical Pharmacist.
Over and under prescribing
Reception staff should indicate (to the clinicians) instances where items are being requested ahead of schedule as this may indicate non-compliance or abuse of medication.
Items that have not been requested should not be removed from the record without reference to a doctor.
Change of medication
Changes in prescription medication are the responsibility of the doctors and authorised practitioner/prescribers. Amendments are only to be made at the direction of a clinician. Particular attention is to be paid to amendments to medication on hospital discharge, as this is an area where errors can occur.