Prescriptions
We are fortunate to have a Dispensary at the Surgery and dispense medication to most of our patients. Medicines prescribed during a consultation can usually be collected straight away. The dispensary opening hours are the same as the Surgery, from 8:30 am to 6pm.
We are only allowed to dispense medicines if you present a pre-payment card/certificate or pay the full prescription charge or provide proof of exemption from charges. The prescription charge is set by the government, not the Practice. As you are accountable for your own health and medication, it is YOUR responsibility to ensure that any ‘exemption from charges/pre-payment’ certificate/card is renewed on time. It is NOT the responsibility of the Dispensers to remind you to renew your ‘exemption from charges/pre-payment’ certificate/card. If your ‘exemption from charges/pre-payment’ certificate/card expires and you continue to order medication and sign the back of the prescription to say that you have a valid ‘exemption from charges/pre-payment’ certificate/card, the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) will write to you to request full payment for each prescription items and they may also impose a fine. The Practice has no jurisdiction over any action that the NHSBSA takes.
Ordering repeat prescriptions
The easiest ways to order repeat prescriptions are:
- via stw.prescottsurgery.dispensary@nhs.net
- using your NHS account (through the NHS website or in the NHS App)
- using the GP online system – see Patient Triage
The online 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.
Collecting your prescription
We ask that you allow us at least 5 working days to prepare your medication after you submit a repeat request. Please refer to the chart below to see exactly when your repeat medication will be ready.
- Requested on Saturday or Sunday will be processed Monday for collection the following Monday
- Requested on Monday – Collect following Monday
- Requested on Tuesday – Collect following Tuesday
- Requested on Wednesday – Collect following Wednesday
- Requested on Thursday – Collect following Thursday
- Requested on Friday – Collect following Friday
If a request is made on a Bank Holiday, please allow an extra day to the above collection days. e.g. Good Friday, this will be ready to collect the following Thursday.
Please note that occasionally there may be a delay in obtaining a particular medication.
We offer a delivery service in the local area, please speak to the dispensary team for more details.
Questions about your prescription
If you have questions about your medicine, the dispensary 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.
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
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.