Repeat Prescriptions

Last Updated: Tuesday, 17 December 2024

If you take medicine regularly, you'll usually have a repeat prescription.

This means you can order your medicine when you need it, without having to see a GP every time.

You might be able to ask your pharmacy directly for your medicine if your GP has set this up (repeat dispensing). If not, you'll need to order your medicines through a repeat prescription from your GP surgery.

If you have access to the internet and are comfortable using it then the easiest and safest way for you to order your repeat medication is via your NHS account.

You can access this on a PC or via the NHS app on a tablet or mobile device.

Your usual medications are listed and you simply have to click the ones you need to order.

It also helps keep the amount of time it takes to rekey information into the system when we receive your request.

Other ways of ordering your medication

If you prefer to order using a paper form you can bring either of the following to the surgery

• The prescription slip from your last medication order. This will have been given to you by the pharmacy and will have your medications and dosages on it.
• If you don't have the prescription slip you can type or write your request on a plain piece of paper

If we are closed when you drop it off then you can put it through the secure letter box to the right hand side of the front porch.

Collecting your prescription

You can usually collect your prescription from the pharmacy 3 to 5 working days after you have ordered it. Ask your pharmacy if they operate an SMS notification system to let you know when your medicines are ready to collect.

You will need to choose a pharmacy to collect your prescription from. We call this nominating a pharmacy.

You can change your nominated pharmacy at any time:

• On the app or website where you order repeat prescriptions
• At your GP practice
• At any pharmacy that accepts repeat prescriptions

Questions about your prescription

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.

If you would like to speak to someone at the GP surgery about your prescription its best to call us after 10am when the phone lines are likely to be less busy.

• Phone us on  0151 724 2396 and ask for a telephone appointment with the practice pharmacist 
• Fill in an online form via PATCHS

Medication reviews

If you have a repeat prescription, we may ask you to come in for a regular review. We will be in touch when you need to come in for a review.

What to do with old medicines

Take it to the pharmacy you got it from or bring it in to the surgery. Do not put it in your household bin or flush it down the toilet.

About pharmacists

As qualified healthcare professionals, they can offer advice on minor illnesses such as:

• Coughs
• Colds
• Sore throats
• Tummy trouble
• Aches and pains

They can also advise on medicine that you can buy without a prescription.

Many pharmacies are open until late and at weekends. You do not need an appointment.

Most pharmacies have a private consultation room where you can discuss issues with pharmacy staff without being overheard.