If you are on long-term medication your doctor will give you your first prescription and it will have two parts:

• The GREEN SIDE is the actual prescription, which you give to the chemist.
• The WHITE SIDE will contain a list of medication that can be issued as a repeat.

This allows you to re-order repeat medication without seeing the doctor every time, though you will be requested to attend regular medication reviews with in house pharmacist to ensure that all is well with your medication. You maybe invited for this via our new text messaging service. 

When you need more medication, please mark ONLY those items that you need, by ticking next to each item on the white side. Please do not tick items that you do not need. You should then take or send your white slip to the surgery.

You can also order repeat prescriptions:

• sending in an SAE,
• coming into the surgery, 
• through your local pharmacy 
• registering on our website to order repeat prescriptions
• online via the link at the top of this page
• WE DO NOT TAKE REQUESTS OVER THE PHONE

Please allow 48 working hours, excluding weekends and Bank Holidays, before collection. Make sure that you order your repeat prescription in good time, so that you do not run out and please do not stock pile medication.

For those who find it difficult to get to the surgery we are happy to work with the local pharmacists who operate a collection and delivery service.

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)

If you would like to speak to someone at the GP surgery about your prescription:

• phone our pharmacist after 10am.
• fill in our medication query form.

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.

Prescription charges

Find out more about prescription charges (nhs.uk).

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, pharmacists 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.

• Find a pharmacy (nhs.uk)

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.

You can now see and access your prescriptions electronically in the NHS App, allowing you to:

• easily see the details of medicines/ items healthcare professionals have confirmed for you
• use a prescription barcode to collect your medicine if you don’t have a nominated pharmacy, without needing to collect a paper prescription

This functionality is being rolled out gradually and will be available to all patients in England in early 2024.

For help and support, visit Prescription in the NHS App  

This is medication that has worked for you in the past for an acute problem, but that you don’t usually use all the time. Should you wish to request this kind of medication, you will need to come into the surgery to complete a re-ordering form or alternatively you can request it by completing the relevant section of our online ordering service.

• Please be aware that any request for acute medication will have to be authorised by a GP prior to issue and you may be asked to discuss this request with the GP before issuing. Please try to give us as much information as possible when requesting to minimise any delay.

Help with NHS costs

In England, around 90% of prescription items are dispensed free. This includes exemptions from charging for those on low incomes, such as:

• those on specific benefits or through the NHS Low Income Scheme
• those who are age exempt
• those with certain medical conditions
• More information is available at NHS Choices

These charges apply in England only. In Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales prescriptions are free of charge.

• Prescription (per item): £9.90
• 3-month PPC: £32.50
• 12-month prepayment certificate (PPC): £114.50
• HRT PPC: £19.80

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.

If you wish to raise a query or complaint about your medication, you can contact the practice on 01204 462630 or email the practice using the generic email address gmicb-bol.octagonmedicalcentre@nhs.net