Repeat Prescriptions
Patients can order repeat prescriptions by telephone between 2.30-4.00pm, by calling reception on 0191 300 9659 or online via patient access or the NHS app. Please note that new users to the online service are required to complete a simple registration, this service means you can order your prescription at any time of the day or night. Please speak to the reception team for further details.
Please allow two full working days for prescriptions to be processed and remember to take weekends and bank holidays into account.
Your prescription can now be sent electronically to the Pharmacy of your choice. Please ask the reception staff for more details or to nominate a Pharmacy.
Medication Reviews
Patients on repeat medication will be asked to see a Doctor, Practice Nurse or Pharmacist at least once a year to review these regular medications.
It is important that these reviews are carried out, when you are first prescribed a medicine, it is usually the best one for you, however, things can change:
- You might have developed a side effect
- Your health may have changed, such as developing a long-term condition or a change in a long-term condition you already have
Any of these reasons, as well as others can mean the medicine might not be right for you anymore.
Your Clinician will ask you some questions and also look at your medical record. They are also likely to ask about what matters to you in the way you lead your life. This will allow them to check you are on the medicines which are right for you.
They may suggest some changes to your medicines. They will explain these changes and why the change will benefit you.
These changes may include: a change to a new or different version of a medicine, changing the dose, changing the time of day you take your medicine or stopping a medicine.
The review is likely to be between 15 and 30 minutes long. You will have the chance to ask any questions or raise any concerns you have about your medicines.
Please ensure that you book an appropriate appointment to avoid unnecessary delays to further prescriptions.
Prescriptions Charges and Exemptions
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 successive Governments have thought it reasonable to charge for those who can afford to pay for their medicines. Prescription prepayment certificates (PPCs) offer real savings for people who need extensive medication.
Emergency Medication Supply Scheme
The service will be delivered by all community pharmacies and will enable patients to self-present to their local pharmacy if they run out of medication. This will ensure timely access to medicines for all patients in urgent situations, where it is not practicable to obtain a prescription, for example, during bank holidays, Out of Hours (OOHs) and when GP surgeries are closed. It should also reduce the burden of prescription requests for regular repeat medication received by NHS 111 (there were 1700 calls last year during Christmas and New Year bank holidays), OOH Services, Emergency Services and Urgent Treatment Centres.