How to order your repeat prescription
Online
The easiest and quickest way to order your prescription is online via the NHS App or on the Patient Access App or website. The NHS App can be set up easily with no extra information required from the surgery. Only your repeat items will appear on the online booking platforms but there is a blank box where you can request any non repeat items or to let us know the reason if you are ordering early e.g. ‘ordering early for holidays’. If you check back on your App after you’ve ordered and it tells you that it has been processed, this means that we have accepted your request but does not mean that it’s ready to collect – please allow the usual four days.
Any items that you order which are not ‘repeat’ items may take longer as they will need to be authorised by the Medicines Management Team.
Repeat Slip
You can order your medication using the request slip of your prescription which will have your medication listed on it. If you need to order anything that doesn’t appear on the slip then please handwrite the additional items at the bottom of the list. If you are ordering early for holidays then you can write this on the slip too. There are boxes where your repeat slip can be posted at all of our branches and you can also post them to us if this is more convenient. Please allow 7 working days for repeat prescription requests via paper requests.
Any items that you order which are not ‘repeat’ items may take longer as they will need to be authorised by the Medicines Management Team.
Repeat Dispensing
What is Repeat Dispensing?
Repeat dispensing is a pre-approved batch prescription for a defined time period. This can be set up as an electronic prescription sent to a nominated pharmacy or can be paper prescriptions which are sent to your pharmacy in advance.
Do I qualify for Repeat Dispensing?
You probably qualify if you have a repeat prescription and
- are on stable therapy;
- have a well-managed and stable long term condition;
- have more than one medication;
- have most of your medication on repeat prescription;
- can appropriately self-manage seasonal conditions;
- or if it is appropriate for other reasons
What could it mean for me?
- Only having to order once every 6 or 12 months and not every month (and risk forgetting);
- Knowing in advance that your prescription is ready;
- Less hassle that can arise from ‘out of stock’ or partly fulfilled prescriptions as the community pharmacist knows well in advance what medications you require.
Duration of Repeat Dispensing
Repeat dispensing can be authorized for periods of up to 12 months but this decision will be made by your doctor after reviewing the medicines that you are taking.
How do I get set up for Repeat Dispensing?
The medicines management team at the practice may identify you as being suitable and may contact you directly or you can ask reception yourself if this is something you might be interested in.
Please bear in mind that it is not suitable for all patients and not all medicines can be authorized for repeat dispensing, for example drugs which require regular blood or other monitoring are not suitable.
What happens if I go on holiday or need a prescription before it is due?
Occasionally if you needed a prescription early, for example to go on holiday, your community pharmacist can dispense a repeat dispensing prescription before the date it would normally be due. They may also be able to issue you extra months if going away for an extended period of time.
What do I do if I have any further questions?
Speak to a Patient Advisor the next time you are in one of the practices and they will pass your details on to the Medicines Management team.
Community Pharmacies
You can no longer order your prescription via a pharmacy (either online or a chemist shop) unless you are classed as a vulnerable patient or have your medication in dispensed in dosette boxes.
Telephone
We don’t take prescription requests over the phone. However, elderly housebound patients who have a pre-arrangement with the surgery can still order their medication by telephone.
Diazepam policy
Ash Trees Surgery do NOT prescribe sedatives/benzodiazepines (eg diazepam) for fear of flying. This policy decision has been made by the GP partners and is adhered to by all prescribers in the practice.
For further information please read Ash Trees Surgery Diazepam policy
We appreciate that fear of flying is very real and very frightening. We would recommend a better approach being to tackle this fear properly with a Fear of Flying course that are run by several airlines, some of which are listed below:
Easy Jet www.fearlessflyer.easyjet.com 0203 813 1644
British Airways www.flyingwithconfidence.com 01252 793250
Virgin www.flyingwithoutfear.co.uk 01423 714900