Prescriptions

Important: Changes to the way you can request a prescription

Due to ongoing issue's with our prescription requests, we have decided to change the way patients can request a prescription.

When you select "Order a repeat prescription online" you will be directed to the NHS App, where you will be able to order your repeat prescription.

PRESCRIPTIONS

Repeat Prescriptions

We accept requests for repeat prescriptions online via the link above, by post (a SAE is required if you need the prescription posted back to you) and personal visits to the surgery.

We do not accept them by telephone, unless the patient is house bound.

Local pharmacies will often collect prescriptions from the surgery on behalf of the patient, prepare the medication and have it ready for collection by the patient. Some pharmacies will deliver to the homes of the housebound, disabled or elderly patients.

It is the patient's responsibility to ensure the correct medication is on their prescription.

We would like to add that if ordering your prescription online, the confirmation you receive is acknowledgement of the request and not that your prescription has been done there and then. 

Please note that we need at least 48 hours notice for repeat prescriptions collected from the surgery and 72 hours if collecting from a chemist.

Electronic Prescribing 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 pharmacy directly, saving you having to come down to the surgery.

To get your prescription sent to your chosen pharmacy please let the receptionist or doctor know where you would like your prescription to be sent electronically.

For more information please click here.

Medication Reviews

Patients on repeat medication will have their medication reviewed on a regular basis, and this may involve a conversation with a health professional and possibly blood tests.

Questions about prescriptions

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.

Go to Medicines A to Z (nhs.uk).

About Pharmacists

As qualified healthcare professionals, pharmacists can offer advice and treatment (without the need to contact our surgery to get a prescription) for minor illnesses such as:

  • Sore throat (adults and children aged 5 years and over)
  • Earache (children and young adults aged 1 to 17 years)
  • Sinusitis (adults and childrens aged 12 years and over)
  • Impetigo (adults and children aged 1 year and over)
  • Shingles (adults aged 18 years and over)
  • Infected insect bites (adults and children aged 1 year and over)
  • Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women under 65. (women age 16 to 64 years)

They can also advise on medicine that you can buy without a prescription to help with aches and pains, coughs, colds and hayfever. Find a pharmacy (NHS UK)

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 14 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.

Over-the-counter Medicines

In 2022/23, NHS Kent and Medway spent more than £18million on medications for self-limiting, short-term
illnesses and minor conditions that could potentially be bought over the counter (OTC).

NHS Kent and Medway is committed to delivering the best value to patients by ensuring we use our resources well. Therefore, to help support implementation and ensure cost effective, evidence-based use of medicines, NHS Kent and Medway does not support the prescribing of items available OTC for self-care.

More information can be found from NHS England Guidlines.

OTC