Prescriptions
Repeat Prescriptions
Prescription requests cannot be accepted over the phone as this can lead to mistakes.
Therefore requests for repeat prescriptions must be made utilising one of the convenient and easy to use facilities listed below:-
- The NHS App or Patient Access App - Our recommended method
- A note in our prescriptions box
- Through your chosen pharmacy
Please note that we no longer accept requests for repeat prescriptions through eConsult.
We aim to send all prescriptions direct to the patient's nominated pharmacy for collection or delivery. Therefore please note your chosen pharmacy clearly on any request. If you do not nominate a pharmacy, then your prescription will be held until you do nominate a pharmacy as we discourage collection of prescriptions from the surgery.
Please allow a minimum of 3 working days for requests for repeat prescriptions as we cannot guarantee your prescription will be ready in time if you leave your request later than this.
1. Using the NHS App
The NHS App is the most efficient, and our recommended, method to manage your repeat prescriptions.
It is easy to order your prescriptions when due, and you can see you past orders to assist, and further you can then track your order on the App seeing once our Doctor has issued the prescription.
Additionally, the NHS App provides access to your medical records, see test results, the ability to book and track certain appointments as well as providing easy access to the eConsult system saving patients having to input their information each time.
2. A note in our prescriptions box
If it is convenient you can simply write out a note and please it in our prescriptions box at the surgery entrance or drop it through the secure letter box on the main door when we are closed.
We would advise that this method is a little slower than the NHS App and eConsult.
3. Through your chosen pharmacy
Please talk to your pharmacy about this as they may be able to help you manage your prescription requests and advise on home delivery options if you are currently house-bound or have difficulty leaving home.
Medication Reviews
Patients on repeat medication will be asked to see a doctor, nurse practitioner or practice nurse at least once a year to review these regular medications and notification should appear on your repeat slip.
Please ensure that you book an appropriate appointment to avoid unnecessary delays to further prescriptions.
Medication Queries
If you have any queries in regards your medication, such as requests to change medication or questions how to use medication, please complete an administration eConsult at this link
https://guildhallstreetsurgery.webgp.com/
Prescription Fees
Help with NHS costs
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
Further, there is the NHS Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC). Click for more information - NHS Prescription Prepayment
A PPC could save you money if you pay for your NHS prescriptions.
The certificate covers all your NHS prescriptions for a set price. You will save money if you need more than 3 items in 3 months, or 11 items in 12 months.
The prescription charge in England is £9.90. A PPC costs:
- £32.05 for 3 months
- £114.50 for 12 months
Additionally, if you get prescriptions for hormone replacement therapy, you may save more with the Hormone Replacement Therapy Prescription Prepayment Certificate. Click for more information - NHS HRT Prescription Prepayment
Before buying a PPC, check if you’re entitled to free NHS prescriptions and other help with health costs using our eligibility checker.
Prescribing 'Over the Counter' Medicines
In line with NHS England recommendations, GP’s have been asked to stop prescribing medicine for 35 minor conditions listed on this page.
The NHS wants people to have the confidence to look after themselves where they can. This gives people greater control of their health without the need to visit their GP for minor conditions.
Your GP, nurse or pharmacist will not generally give you a prescription for over the counter medicines for a range of minor health concerns, even if you qualify for free prescriptions. Instead, over the counter medicines are available to buy in a pharmacy or supermarket in your local community.
The team of health professionals at your local pharmacy can offer help and clinical advice to manage minor health concerns and if your symptoms suggest it’s more serious, they’ll ensure you get the care you need.
- Acute sore throat
- Conjunctivitis
- Coughs, colds and nasal congestion
- Cradle cap
- Dandruff
- Diarrhoea (adults)
- Dry eyes/sore tired eyes
- Earwax
- Excessive sweating
- Haemorrhoids
- Head lice
- Indigestion and heartburn
- Infant colic
- Infrequent cold sores of the lip
- Infrequent constipation
- Infrequent migraine
- Insect bites and stings
- Mild acne
- Minor burns and scalds
- Mild cystitis
- Mild dry skin
- Mild irritant dermatitis
- Mild to moderate hay fever
- Minor conditions associated with pain, discomfort and fever (e.g. aches and sprains, headache, period pain, back pain)
- Mouth ulcers
- Nappy rash
- Oral thrush
- Prevention of tooth decay
- Ringworm/athlete’s foot
- Sunburn
- Sun protection
- Teething/mild toothache
- Threadworms
- Travel sickness
- Warts and verrucae
Why does the NHS want to reduce prescribing of over the counter medicines?
The NHS needs to make difficult choices about where money is spent to get the most benefit for patients.
The NHS wants for each medicine prescribed to offer the best opportunity for improved health and wellbeing. For the most part, prescribing of over-the-counter medicines does not achieve this. The NHS has been spending around £136 million a year on prescriptions for medicines that can be bought from a pharmacy or supermarket. By reducing the amount the NHS spends on over the counter medicines we can give priority to treatments for people with more serious conditions, such as cancer, diabetes and mental health problems.