Prescriptions
Repeat Prescriptions
Repeat prescriptions are set up for those patients requiring regular medication. They need to be arranged in advance by your GP, usually in a consultation or occasionally by telephone. If you require a repeat prescription you may request it:
- in writing at reception
- by fax request to 020 8891 6466
- by email request to: prescriptions.stmargarets@nhs.net - please note this is for prescription requests only and not for other correspondence
- by postal request
Please be sure to give details of:
- your name as registered at the practice - confusion may occur if using someone else's e-mail account so please do make the patient identity absolutely clear
- date of birth and registered address
- the medication name - many medications have more than one name, a trade and generic name, so give both if in any doubt
- dose and frequency e.g. one table twice daily
- quantity
- formulation e.g. tablets, capsules, cream, ointment etc.
Prescriptions are usually available for collection within two working days.
If you include a stamped addressed envelope we will post your repeat prescription to you.
We do not change privately prescribed medication to NHS prescriptions.
Medicines prescribed at hospital must be taken to the hospital pharmacy.
If your repeat has expired you may be asked to make an appointment before the next issue of medication, or maybe given a smaller supply in order to give you time to make the appointment without running short. The decision is dependant on the medicine being requested and medical history.
Occasionally as a result of medication reviews medications can sometimes be changed. If this is ever a problem please contact us.
Repeat Dispensing
A new way to get your regular prescriptions
If you or someone you care for uses the same medicines regularly, you may not need to get a new prescription every time you need more medicine.This means you won’t have to visit the surgery or make an appointment to see the doctor or practice nurse every time you need more medicine.
Talk to the GP who prescribes your medicines and ask if you can use repeat dispensing.
Commonly asked questions:
What happens if I lose my forms, or I run out?
You’ll need to go back to your GP and ask for more forms. Make sure you do this before your medicine runs out in case your GP wants you to book an appointment to check that the medicine is still right for you.
Can any pharmacy provide this service?
You can choose any pharmacy that dispenses NHS prescriptions. You just need to make sure you use the same pharmacy each time you need more medicine.
What if I move home and need to use a different pharmacy?
You’ll need to go back to your prescriber and get a new set of forms. You should take the new signed authorisation form and an issue form to your new pharmacy when you need your medicine.
Do I have to get all the items on my prescription at the same time?
No. If you’ve still got plenty of one type of medicine left, tell the pharmacist.
Is the pharmacist qualified to help me?
Yes. As well as doing a four-year masters’ degree, pharmacists do an additional year’s training which covers the actions, uses and side-effects of medicines. That means they’re highly qualified to advise you on the medicines you’re taking.
Can the pharmacist change my prescription without telling me?
No. The pharmacist can talk to you about your medicine, and help you with any questions or problems.
Can I carry on getting repeat prescriptions from the surgery - rather than repeat dispensing from the pharmacist?
Yes, you can. It’s up to you to decide how you want to get your medicines.