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: Patient Access
- this is the quickest and most effective way of ordering your medication once your account has been created as it lists all your current medication
These accounts show you all your repeat medicine and dosage and you can choose the ones you need.
You can also:
- fill out a repeat prescriptions request form
- email your prescription request to us at swallowfield.dispensary@nhs.net
- call us if you are unable to use the above services. Our dedicated Dispensary line is for the elderly and vulnerable and is open between 2pm and 3pm each day. Please call between these times on 01189883134 and select Option 2
Please ensure you give full details of your request including where you would like to collect your items from if we dispense them (“J Smith’s white tablets” is dangerous as we could get the wrong J Smith and the wrong tablets). If you are a non-dispensing patient and have previously requested your prescriptions are sent to a pharmacy, this is where the prescription will be sent. Please remember to register for Patient Services and not to use this form on a regular basis. Patient Services provides a direct link into the clinical system so it improves accuracy and speeds up the process for both the patient and the GP.
Collecting your prescription
Please give 3 full working days notice (excluding the day we receive your request). We recommend that you order your repeats at least a week before you are due to run out in case there are any supply problems.
No medicines can be sent out unless we have received the prescription charge due or are satisfied that we know the reason you are exempt from charges.
You will need to choose a pharmacy to collect your prescription from. We call this nominating a pharmacy. Whichever pharmacy you nominate will receive all prescriptions issued for you until such a time that you change your nomination.
Please note, this does not affect our dispensing patients.
You can change your nominated pharmacy at any time:
- on the app or website where you order repeat prescriptions
- fill out a nominate a pharmacy form
- at any pharmacy that accepts repeat prescriptions
Medication not collected within one month of dispensing will be taken back into stock, owing to limited shelf space.
Please tell us immediately if items you have been promised have not arrived. The longer you delay the harder it is for us to track down those items.
If you are on repeat medication and normally take your prescription to a pharmacy, please talk to them about the possibility of ‘repeat dispensing’ (also known as batch prescribing). This can reduce the frequency with which you have to order your repeat prescriptions from us. This only applies to any medication you take regularly.
NHS guidelines encourage us to provide a sufficient supply of most drugs to last for one month. If you need enough for a longer period, such as when you are going on holiday, tell us so that we can dispense next month’s allowance in advance. Please remember the service described here is for repeat medication only. For acute items you will need to see the doctor or acute illness nurse.
We are a dispensing practice
Many of our patients will be able to see the doctor and collect their medication all in one visit to the surgery. Regulations do not allow us to offer this service to patients living within one mile (1.6 kilometres) in a straight line of a pharmacy (this mainly affects patients in Spencers Wood, Three Mile Cross and Shinfield).
The dispensary is open for the collection of prescriptions and medication between 8:30am and 6:30pm, Monday to Friday.
The dispensary can also be contacted by phone (0118 988 3459). Phone lines are open from 2pm to 3pm, Monday to Friday for patients who are unable to access repeat ordering via online means.
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.
If you would like to speak to someone at the GP surgery about your prescription:
- fill out an ask a prescription question form
Medication reviews
Patients on repeat medication will be asked to either see a doctor or our pharmacist at least once a year to review these regular medications and you will be notified when this is necessary.
Contraceptive pill
We strongly advise that patients see a nurse once a year to review your contraceptive pill. To make an appointment please contact reception.
You can also see a nurse for a range of contraceptives including LARC, IUS, implant etc. and also links to the Florey unit and that under 25s can self refer for contraception there.
The Florey: Sexual health
If you’re under 25 you can self refer to the Florey sexual health centre for contraception.
The Florey sexual health centre offers the full range of sexual health services including testing for and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and contraception.
We also provide ongoing care and treatment for people living with HIV.
Phone
0118 322 7202
Website
www.royalberkshire.nhs.uk
Prescription charges
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.
Charges apply in England only. In Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales prescriptions are free of charge.
If you will have to pay for four or more prescription items in three months, or more than 15 items in 12 months, you may find it cheaper to buy a PPC. Telephone advice and order line 0845 850 0030.
There is further information about prescription exemptions and fees on the NHS website.
What to do with old medicines
Take it to the pharmacy you got it from. We can only take old medications that we have dispensed. 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.
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.