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 the GP online system: Patient Access
These accounts show you all your repeat medicine and dosage and you can choose the ones you need.
You can also:
- fill out a repeat prescriptions request form
- 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 or email. You can however contact us via telephone between 10am and 2pm if you have an enquiry about your medication.
Dispensary
We are a dispensing Practice and can dispense to the whole of Cookley and Wolverley.
We cannot dispense to patients who live less than a mile from a dispensing chemist.
If you require your medication urgently please contact the Dispensary on 01562 850770 and press option 2.
Reducing Medicines Wastage
The practice has signed up to help reduce medicines waste.
To support this we would ask you to only order those items you need and not everything on your list.
We would like to encourage you to use our online repeat prescribing service. If you need help in using this service please ask our reception team who will arrange for you to be contacted by our prescribing coordinator.
We have adopted the CCG formulary and so prescribe according to this for our patients.
Non-urgent advice: Please Note
Electronic Prescription Service
This practice is set up for the electronic prescription service.
This means that for most patients we can send your prescription to your chosen chemist directly saving you having to come down to the surgery.
To get your prescription sent to your chosen pharmacy you will have to ask reception to sign up.
Collecting your prescription
Please allow a minimum of 7 days for the prescription to be prepared.
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.
If you would like to speak to someone at the GP surgery about your prescription:
- phone our Prescriptions Coordinator on 01562 822015 for Aylmer Lodge, or a dispenser at Cookley 01562 850770, from 10am to 2pm.
- fill in our medication query form.
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
In England, around 90% of prescription items are dispensed free. This includes exemptions from charging for those on low incomes, such as:
- those on specific benefits or through the NHS Low Income Scheme
- those who are age exempt
- those with certain medical conditions
- More information is available at NHS Choices
These charges apply in England only. In Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales prescriptions are free of charge.
- Prescription (per item): £9.65
- 12-month prepayment certificate (PPC): £111.60
- 3-month PPC: £31.25
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:
- Telephone advice and order line: 0845 850 0030
- Buy or renew a PPC online
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.