Important: Pharmacy Medication Requests – Ceasing 31st August 2026
From 1st September 2026 we are asking all patients to order their prescriptions through the NHS App on their home computer, tablet or smartphone (or nominate a relative or friend to do so on their behalf) OR to order by visiting our practice in person and leaving us a completed request form (you can use the form attached to your previous prescription which your pharmacist will give you).
From 1st September 2026, Community pharmacies will begin to stop requesting medication on behalf of patients. If you currently order your prescriptions by phoning your community pharmacy, please consider your best option – NHS App? Our website? Nominate a friend or relative? Paper request?
This change in process aligns with standard practice in most other GP practices in the country and brings several important benefits:
- Improved safety: ordering through NHS App reduces the risk of errors
- Faster processing: your request comes direct to us, speeding up the time it takes for your prescription to be ready
- Better communication: you can track your prescription through the app so you know exactly where it is: no more “ping pong” between us and your pharmacy!
We understand that using new technology can be challenging. To help, local support is available to guide you in using the NHS App. You can find support through:
- The NHS website includes step-by-step guides and videos https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-app/nhs-app-help-and-support/
- Our staff are happy to give you practical support over the phone or during your visit.
- You can ask a relative, friend or Carer to order on your behalf using the “proxy access” function in the app, or on our website:
- Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or need further assistance. Thank you for your ongoing support for the practice and the wider NHS.
How to Request Prescription Medicines
The easiest way to manage your NHS repeat prescription is online using the NHS App. The App is free to download and can be used on a smartphone, tablet, PC or laptop. Registration takes only a couple of minutes – see www.nhs.uk/nhs-app
If you are prescribed a medicine on a repeat basis, you can also request further supplies as follows:
How long will my request take to process?
Prescription requests take at least 2 working days, some medicines require additional checks to be made and will take longer. Please help us by asking your pharmacy if your prescription is ready in the first instance – BEFORE telephoning the surgery.
Please note that prescription requests are not taken over the telephone unless we have agreed this with you and provided you with written authority to do so.
EPS (Electronic Prescription Service)
Most prescriptions are sent electronically to your pharmacy of choice. To make use of this, visit your pharmacy and ask them to update your pharmacy nomination. Once this is put in place, all prescriptions will be sent to this pharmacy, until you change this.
The Practice does not change Pharmacy nominations. Please speak with your chosen Pharmacist to arrange this.
Repeat Dispensing
Some patients are suitable for this method of repeat prescribing. This involves the prescribing Clinician sending multiple issues of prescriptions to your pharmacy who then authorise this for you without the need to order via the surgery. If your condition changes, and you are on ‘Repeat Dispensing’, please let us know.
Prescription charges
Find out more about prescription charges on nhs.uk.
What if I am leaving the country for 3 months or more?
If you are leaving the country for 3 months or more, we follow the national guidance and deem you not ordinarily resident in our catchment area. You must notify us of your travel plans and re-register with the surgery on your return.
The NHS is not responsible for you whilst you are abroad and you should access medical services of the country you are visiting for any ongoing treatment / medicines needs. Patients are advised to ensure they have sufficient insurance to cover their medical needs whilst travelling out of the country.