Prescriptions

Ordering repeat prescriptions

The easiest ways to order repeat prescriptions are:

  • using your NHS account (through the NHS website or in the NHS App)
  • using the GP online system: SystmOne

These accounts show you all your repeat medicine and dosage and you can choose the ones you need.

You can also:

Please note you can only order medications which are listed. You cannot use the online services to ask for medication not on the list.

We do take repeat prescription requests over the phone between 9am and 11am Monday to Friday. This is a voice mailbox service whereby you can leave a message and our Prescription clerk will action this for you.

Collecting your prescription

Information:

Requests for prescriptions that we receive before 11am are usually sent to the pharmacy of your choice within 2 working days.

If you request your prescription to be sent to a pharmacy outside the immediate area, it will take longer. 

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:

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.

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:

Changes to the prescribing of over the counter medicines

NHS England have announced some changes with regard to NHS prescribing of a range of medicines, vitamins and minerals that are available to buy over the counter from pharmacies and supermarkets. This follows a National consultation and subsequent NHS England Guidance that recommends over the counter medicines associated with a number of minor, short term conditions, which are either self-limiting or can be self-treated by the individual, should no longer be routinely prescribed by GP Surgeries but purchased by the patient.

Your GP will no longer be able to issue prescription medication for the following conditions:

  • Acne – mild
  • Athlete’s foot
  • Burns or scalds – minor
  • Cold sores (no acyclovir)
  • Colic
  • Conjunctivitis
  • Constipation (infrequent) – adult
  • Coughs and colds
  • Cradle cap
  • Cystitis – mild
  • Dandruff
  • Dermatitis – mild
  • Diarrhoea
  • Ear wax
  • Eyes (dry or tired)
  • Haemorrhoids (piles)
  • Hay fever (mild/moderate)
  • Head lice
  • Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)
  • Indigestion and heartburn
  • Insect bites
  • Mouth ulcers
  • Nappy rash
  • Pain associated with minor conditions (aches and sprains, headache, back or period pain)
  • Ringworm
  • Skin – (mild dryness)
  • Sore throat (lozenges or sprays)
  • Sun protection
  • Sunburn
  • Threadworms
  • Thrush – oral
  • Toothache/teething toothpaste (high fluoride)
  • Travel sickness
  • Verrucas
  • Warts

This change applies to medicines for the above conditions, together with a range of vitamins and minerals, unless there is a medical deficiency.

There are exceptions, which include:

  • Patients who are prescribed an over the counter medicine for a long term or more complex condition, or
  • Where a clinician considers that a patient’s well-being could be affected due to health, mental health or significant social vulnerability.

A full list of exceptions can be found using the link above, or can be collected from reception at the surgery.

The ICB estimate that the annual prescribing cost for these medicines in Gloucestershire alone is around £2 Million, and this money could be put to better use to support vital healthcare in the county.

If you feel you need medicines for any of the above conditions, your first point of contact should be your local pharmacy, who will be happy to advise you on appropriate treatment as required.

We appreciate this may cause some inconvenience to patients, but this is a national initiative which affects all GP surgeries and as a practice we are duty-bound to follow the guidance issued by NHS England.

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).

You can also find out if you are entitled to free prescriptions.

What to do with old medicines

Take it to a pharmacy of your choice. 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 room where you can discuss issues with pharmacy staff.