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Repeat Prescriptions
Repeat Prescriptions
In order to provide control and a better service to patients we run
a computerised repeat prescription service. If you need to
take medication regularly your doctor my agree to authorise a
'repeat prescription'. This will enable you to obtain
medication without having to see the doctor every time. With
each prescription you will receive a tear-off slip which lists your
repeat medication and you may request re-supply by ticking the
appropriate entry. Leave your completed slip in the box in
reception or post it through the letter box.
We do not accept
telephone calls for repeat prescriptions. Do not wait until
you have run out of medication before requesting a new prescription
as we need 2 working days to ensure the prescription is prepared,
verified and signed. If you want your prescription sent to you
please provide a SAE but also allow for the extra day. Please
remember that, in order to safeguard all involved, repeat
prescriptions may not be collected by minors (under 16 years old).
REPEAT DISPENSING SCHEME
A new way to get your regular prescriptions
If you or someone you care for uses the same medicines regularly,
you may not
need to get a new prescription every time you need more medicine.
Talk to your doctor, local pharmacist or practice nurse to find out
more.
If you or someone you care for uses the same medicines regularly,
you may be
able to benefit from repeat dispensing from the pharmacist. This
means you
won’t have to visit the surgery or make an appointment to see the
doctor or
practice nurse every time you need more medicine.
STEP 1
The first step is to talk to the person who prescribes your
medicines – your
prescriber – and ask if you can use repeat dispensing. Your
prescriber will
usually be your doctor or practice nurse.
They will then ask you for permission to share information with your
pharmacist
about your treatment. This will help the pharmacist give your
prescriber
information about your treatment, and give you useful advice. You
may be asked
to sign an agreement form.
Your prescriber will give you a signed authorisation form (which is
valid up to
a year) and some repeat dispensing issue forms. They will explain to
you what
these forms are for.
STEP 2
The next step is for you to take the authorisation form and one of
your issue
forms to the pharmacy when you need your first batch of medicine.
You don’t
need to fill in or sign the issue form until you’re ready to hand it
to the
pharmacist. The pharmacist can help you complete your form if you’re
not sure
what to do. Let the pharmacist know if you’re taking any other
medicines, or if
your condition has changed recently.
The pharmacist keeps your authorisation form. You should keep the
rest of your
issue forms in a safe place, or ask the pharmacy to look after them
for you.
You will need one each time you collect your medicine.
STEP 3
Next time you need more medicine, go back to the same pharmacy with
a new issue
form. If the pharmacy is looking after the forms for you, contact
them and tell
them you need more medicine so they can have it ready for you when
you go in.
Remember to fill in your issue form when you get to the pharmacy so
they can
give you your medicine.
If you have any questions, just ask the pharmacist. They’ll be happy
to help
you.
Questions you may HAVE
What happens if I lose my forms, or I run out?
You’ll need to go back to your prescriber and ask for more forms.
Make sure you
do this before your medicine runs out in case your prescriber wants
you to book
an appointment to check that the medicine is still right for you.
Can any pharmacy provide this service?
You can choose any pharmacy that dispenses NHS prescriptions. You
just need to
make sure you use the same pharmacy each time you need more
medicine.
What if I move home and need to use a different pharmacy?
You’ll need to go back to your prescriber and get a new set of
forms. You
should take the new signed authorisation form and an issue form to
your new
pharmacy when you need your medicine.
Do I have to get all the items on my prescription at the same time?
No. If you’ve still got plenty of one type of medicine left, tell
the
pharmacist.
Is the pharmacist qualified to help me?
Yes. As well as doing a four-year masters’ degree, pharmacists do an
additional
year’s training which covers the actions, uses and side-effects of
medicines.
That means they’re highly qualified to advise you on the medicines
you’re
taking.
Can the pharmacist change my prescription without telling me?
No. The pharmacist can talk to you about your medicine, and help you
with any
questions or problems. But no one will change your prescription
without talking
to you first.
Will I still have to pay for my prescriptions?
Yes, if you’re paying at the moment. A prescription pre-payment
certification
(PPC) could save you money. Ask your pharmacist or call 0845 850
0300 for more
information.
Do I qualify for free prescriptions?
Check Part 1 of your issue form. If any of the statements apply to
you on the
day you go to the pharmacy, you won’t have to pay. For information
about
medical and maternity exemptions, call 0845 601 8076. To find out
whether you
qualify for free prescriptions under the NHS Low Income Scheme, call
0845 850
1166.
How long are these prescriptions valid for?
Most prescriptions are valid for a year. In some cases – for
example, if your
prescriber want to see you sooner – they may be valid for a shorter
time.
Can I get electronic prescription?
Electronic prescriptions will be available during 2006. Ask your
prescriber or
pharmacist for more information.
Can I carry on getting repeat prescription from the surgery?
Yes, you can. It’s up to you to decide how you want to get your
medicines.
Information
valid 09/05
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