Prescriptions

Information about ordering your repeat prescription

Local pharmacies have been asked not to routinely order medication on behalf of patients. This is to reduce waste medicines. If you feel that you need help ordering your medication, please speak to your GP practice.

It is possible to order your repeat prescription online or via the NHS app. This method of ordering has many advantages and is the preferred option for anyone with access to the internet or a smart phone.

Why is ordering via the NHS app or online recommended?

Ordering your repeat prescription via the NHS app or online reduces visits to your GP practice or the time spent getting in touch with your pharmacy. This provides a more convenient method for you to order your repeat prescription.

Processing paper or requests from local pharmacies take longer for both practice and pharmacy staff to process so by ordering via the app or online it frees up staff to carry out other essential tasks.

Ordering your repeat prescription via the NHS app or online also reduces the chance of error, making it safer for you.

What if I don’t have access to the internet?

If you don’t have access to the internet, you can still order your repeat prescription direct from your GP practice by dropping the repeat prescription slip or a note in at the practice. We will also consider accepting requests over the telephone but only in exceptional circumstances or by prior agreement with the practice.  

Important things to remember

·        Regardless of how you order your repeat prescription, it is important that you review each item carefully and only order what you need each time. This will stop medicines being wasted or stockpiling at home.

·        Make sure when you order your repeat prescription that you allow plenty of time, so that you don’t run out of medicines.

·        If you are no longer taking a medicine on your repeat list or have any concerns, discuss this with your doctor or pharmacist who can discuss possible alternatives.

·        If you are unsure of what a particular medicine is for, or how to take it, discuss this with your pharmacist who will be able to help.

·        It is important to attend your planned medication reviews to make sure everything continues to be safe and appropriate for you.  For further information on medication reviews, see https://vimeo.com/865562137

·        Medicines are only prescribed for you and should not be shared with anyone else.

·        Return medicines no longer needed to a local pharmacy so they can be disposed of in a safer, more environmentally friendly way.  

Where can I find more information and support?

·         You can speak to your local pharmacist, GP or the healthcare professional who prescribed the medication to you.

·         You can view prescriptions, request repeat prescriptions and nominate a pharmacy in the NHS App https://digital.nhs.uk/services/nhs-app/nhs-app-features/prescriptions-in-the-nhs-app

How to order a repeat prescription at https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/online-services/how-to-order-a-repeat-prescription/

Repeat supplies of tablets or medicines can be obtained without having to see the clinician each time, but the clinician must have agreed to this in advance.

Ordering Repeat Prescriptions in the NHS App

Did you know you can manage repeat prescriptions from Bankfield Surgery in the NHS App?

You can easily choose where your prescriptions are sent. So, if you know you'll be away from home or you are moving home, you can change your nominated pharmacy from within the app. 

You can also order your prescription at any time that suits you. There’s no need to wait until the GP surgery opens.

It’s easy to use, and, if you hit a snag, you can go to ‘Help’ in the top right-hand corner of the app or visit nhs.uk/helpmeapp.

Find out more about the NHS App at: www.nhs.uk/nhsapp

Please allow three to five full working days for prescriptions to be processed, please remember to take weekends and bank holidays into account when ordering.   Please ensure you have a nominated pharmacy where you would like your prescription to be sent to and we will electronically forward this on for you.

Patients on repeat medication will be asked to see a doctor, pharmacist, advanced nurse practitioner, advanced clinical 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.

We offer the Electronic Prescription Service, which allows you to choose or "nominate" a pharmacy to get your medicines or appliances from. Your GP then sends your prescription electronically to the place you nominated, this means:

• If you collect your repeat prescriptions from your GP you will not have to visit your GP practice to pick up your paper prescription, saving time.
• You will have more choice about where to get your medicines from because they can be collected from a pharmacy near to where you live, work or shop.
• You may not have to wait as long as your repeat prescriptions could be prepared before you arrive.

Please click here for more information

We offer patients the opportunity order medication which has been authorised for repeat by the GP 24 hours a day, from the convenience of their own home. Simply register by completing this form and return it to the surgery (please use the post box in the reception area) then use the link at the top of this page once the receptionist has text/emailed you your log-in details. Please understand that for security reasons this will only be given in person and you must provide proof of identity (we will waive proof of identity currently due to COVID-19).

Click here for more information

How eRD can benefit you

If you get regular or repeat medicines, you might be suitable for eRD. Using eRD, you can: 

• save time by avoiding unnecessary trips or calls to your GP every time you need to order a repeat prescription
• order or cancel your repeat prescriptions online (if your GP practice offers this service)
• pick up your repeat prescriptions directly from your pharmacy without having to visit your GP
• spend less time waiting for your prescription in the pharmacy or GP practice, which means you can stay at home and avoid face-to-face contact when you need your repeat prescription during the coronavirus pandemic
• save paper – you won’t need a paper prescription to collect your medicine from the pharmacy

How do I sign up for eRD?

It's really easy to sign up for eRD - just ask your GP or pharmacist for more information.