Prescription Information

Repeat Prescriptions

Your repeat prescriptions are the medications on your Repeat List. These are the medications we want you to take regularly and as such they are on a recurring script for you to get from your Pharmacy.

There are a number of ways you can get these prescriptions

  1. Hand the form into reception or Post it to us – we can then send the prescription securely and electronically to the chemist of your choice. This can be the chemist near home or work or one that will deliver. The choice is yours, but if you decide to change, let us know as early as possible.
  2. Email – to the following address. - [email protected]
  3. Online Repeat Prescriptions. We welcome repeat prescription requests via the SystmOnline or Airmid Portal.
  4. The Pharmacy can set up a system to ensure they have your prescription ready for you each month.

It takes us 72 hours to receive a request, check that it is right, make sure the correct medication then gets sent to the Chemist of your choice. We have a dedicated Medication team who handle the prescriptions, the ordering, re ordering and changing the medications in line with the advice from our Specialist colleagues at the Hospital.

If you are on long-term medication you will be given a computerised prescription re-order slip. This allows you to re-order repeat medication without seeing the Doctor every time. After a period as agreed with your doctor (usually 12 months) you will need a review of your medication and usually of your condition as well.

This may involve an appointment with the Clinical team or our pharmacist to check with you that all is well before further prescriptions are issued. You may need a blood test or blood pressure check.


Urgent Prescriptions

If you have run out of medication or need a prescription quickly, please speak to the receptionist and we will do our very best to help.

If we are closed, you are usually able to get an emergency supply of medication from your local chemist or you can contact 111 who should be able to help.


Holiday Prescription Requests

If you are going on holiday and need your prescription early. Please write this on your prescription and we will do our best to help you.

Please note British prescriptions can only be used at chemists and pharmacies in this country. Please make sure you get your medications before you travel and take the extra with you. The NHS allows us to do this for up to 12 weeks.


Prescriptions Charges and Exemptions

Medication is expensive, so there are several ways to help with the cost. Please check with your Pharmacist for more details.

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 The Department of Health has decided is reasonable to charge for those who can afford to pay for their medicines. Prescription prepayment certificates (PPCs) can offer real savings for people who need extensive medication.

NHS Prescription charges

From 1 April 2020, the charges are:

  • Prescription (per item): £9.15 per item
  • 3-month prepayment certificate (PPC): £29.65
  • 12-month prepayment certificate (PPC): £105.90
  • If you will have to pay for four or more prescription items in three months, or more than 14 items in 12 month you may find it cheaper to buy a PPC.

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

Prescription Prepayment Certificates (PPCs)

A PPC lets you get as many NHS prescriptions as you need for a set price.

If you regularly pay prescription charges, a PPC could save you money. The prescription charge in England is £9.35 per item. A PPC costs:

  • £30.25 for 3 months
  • £108.10 for 12 months
  • The quickest way to buy a PPC is to buy it online.