Prescriptions

Types of prescriptions

There are 2 types of prescription, acute and repeat:

• Acute prescriptions – These are issued at the time you see the doctor. Usually these are given for a short treatment or when we are starting a new treatment. For a new treatment the doctor may wish to see you again to assess your progress before converting the medicine to a regular/repeat one.
• Repeat prescriptions – If you are taking regular medication your doctor may decide that you can obtain a repeat prescription through a health co-ordinator.

Ordering repeat prescriptions

Repeat prescriptions can be ordered up to 2 weeks in advance of them being due.

The easiest ways to order repeat prescriptions are:

• using your NHS account (through the NHS website or in the NHS App)
• using the GP online system: SystmOnline

These accounts show you all your repeat medicine and dosage and you can choose the ones you need.

You can also:

• email prescriptions.saltashhc@nhs.net with your repeat prescription requests, please ensure you include full patient and medication information in these requests

We do not take repeat prescription requests over the phone.

Ordering rules

When ordering repeat prescriptions, please follow these simple rules:

• Only order what you need and not all the items on the list.
• If your items run out at different times of the month, ask if it could be arranged that all items run out together.
• Please tell us if anything has changed, e.g., you have stopped taking any of the medicines or other items on the list.
• It is important to get your prescription right and sometimes prescriptions may take longer if things need to be checked for your safety.
• Ensure you include the following information: name, DOB, address, medication needed (with strength) and where you would like to collect the prescription from.
• Please only order what you need each time you order a repeat prescription.

Non-repeat medication

Any requests for non-repeat items that have not been issued in the last 3 months will not automatically be re-issued.

Please refer to the following:

• Consult your pharmacist for advice
• If you feel your care is not applicable to the above, please let us know why you feel the medication is required. In order to help us help you, please request your prescription in plenty of time

On average we process over 560 prescription requests daily, this increases dramatically during holiday times such as at Christmas. In order to help us help you, please request your prescription in plenty of time.

Collecting your prescription

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
• send an email to prescriptions.saltashhc@nhs.net or call the prescription team on 01752 842281, option 5
• 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.

Go to Medicines A to Z

If you would like to speak to someone at the GP surgery about your prescription:

• fill out an ask a prescription question form

Prescription charges

View the cost of prescriptions on the NHS website.

You can also find out if you are entitled to free prescriptions.