Repeat Prescriptions

How do I request a repeat prescription?

Repeat prescriptions can be requested using the following:

• Post your printed request in the prescription post box situated on the wall in Please include a stamped addressed envelope if you want us to post the prescription back to you.
• Online via your online app
• Over the telephone for patients over the age of 70 years after 10am

Repeat prescriptions will be processed within 48 hours (working days). Requests received after 4pm will be treated as having been received the next day PLEASE NOTE: some pharmacies take 7 days to fulfil a prescription request

Medication Reviews

Patients on repeat medication will need to have their medications reviewed regularly. Depending on the medication you are prescribed you may also require regular blood tests.  Medication reviews will be completed over the telephone by one of our clinical pharmacists

Prescriptions Charges and Exemptions

Extensive exemption and remission arrangements protect those likely to have difficulty in paying charges (NHS prescription and dental charges, optical and hospital travel costs).

The NHS prescription charge is a flat-rate amount which successive Governments have thought it reasonable to charge for those who can afford to pay for their medicines. Prescription prepayment certificates (PPCs) offer real savings for people who need extensive medication.

NHS charges

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 15 items in 12 months, you may find it cheaper to buy a PPC.

• Telephone advice and order line 0845 850 0030
• General Public - Buy or Renew a PPC On-line

There is further information about prescription exemptions and fees on the NHS website

Prescribing Policy for Patients Travelling Abroad

This policy outlines the procedure for patients travelling abroad for short and long periods of time.

NHS Policy

By law, the NHS ceases to have responsibility for the medical care of patients when they leave the UK.  In addition, GPs are not required by their terms of service to provide prescriptions for the treatment of a condition that is not present and may arise while the patient is abroad.

The NHS does accept responsibility for supplying ongoing medication for temporary periods abroad of up to 3 months. However, if a person is going to be abroad for more than 3 months, then they are only entitled (at NHS expense) to a sufficient supply of regular medication in order to get to their destination, where they should the find an alternative supply of that medication.

Patients residing abroad for a period of more than 3 months should be removed from the registered patient list.

Royston Group Practice Policy

Travelling out of the country for less  than 3 months

For patients who inform us they will be out of the country for less than 3 months, we will provide sufficient medicines for an existing condition (e.g. asthma, diabetes…) for the period while the patient is away where it is safe to do so.  Drugs that require frequent monitoring may not be prescribed where there are safety concerns.  1 months’ supply only will be issued for drugs normally available over the counter, such as paracetamol.

Travelling out of the country for more than 3 months

Patients who inform us they will be leaving the country for more than 3 months will be prescribed sufficient medication to enable them to make alternative arrangements at their destination (up to 3 months’ supply where safe to do so).

They will also be removed from our patient list. We will be pleased to re-register patients on their return to residence in the UK and can reassure patient that their electronic notes are kept on file for reference on your return.

Patients and relatives should not seek medication for themselves while they are abroad as this constitutes NHS fraud.

Practice policy on the supply of drugs liable to misuse

Controlled drugs for example Methadone, Diamorphine, Buprenorphine (Temgesic) will NOT be supplied by this practice. Management of patients is by the Substance Misuse Team.

Royston Group Practice follows NICE guidance on the prescribing of all medications.

Sedatives, Tranquillizers, Hypnotics, (sleeping tablets) for example Diazepam, Temazepam, Nitrazepam, Zimovane are licenced for NHS prescriptions for short term use only.

We are happy to refer patients to the Substance Misuse Team and offer support during the titrating of medication.

Antidepressants, major tranquillizers and Anticonvulsants drugs are prescribed only are prescribed only for certain disorders, often on the device of a consultant psychiatrist. Repeat prescriptions will only be issued when a GP is satisfied that there is a genuine need or if there is a written report from the psychiatrist indicating that a treatment is currently recommended. We have a range of counselling services available and are keen to help those with genuine psychiatric problems.

Painkillers such as Codeine and Dihydrocodeine will only be supplied where the GP is satisfied there is a genuine need.

Repeat prescriptions will only be issued after the approval by the GP and normal practice arrangements will apply. 72 hours noticed will be needed for prescription orders.

DECLARATION FOR NEWLY REGISTERED PATIENTS…

I have fully read and understand Royston Group Practice Policy on this subject and agree to comply with its provisions at all times whilst I am registered with the practice.

Patient signature:

Date