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 via the Airmid App or SystmOnline

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
• complete the re-order form attached to the prescription, only tick the items required 
• send your request by post, please enclose a stamped addressed envelope and allow plenty of time
• your nominated pharmacy can re-order your medication if you give them permission and leave your repeat slip. Please note this method may take longer for your prescription request to reach us for processing.

We do not take repeat prescription requests over the phone or email.

Important things to note:

• We accept prescriptions in advance so there is no need to wait until your medication is running out; please give yourself plenty of time to request repeat prescriptions, especially if you are going on holiday
• You cannot collect your prescription on Saturdays
• Requests for any medication not on the repeat order form will have to be approved by a doctor, and if authorised, prescriptions will take longer to process

Collecting your prescription

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:

• speak with a member of staff
• on the app or website where you order repeat prescriptions
• fill out a nominate a pharmacy or other dispenser form
• at any pharmacy that accepts repeat prescriptions

Green policy

Aspen Medical Practice has introduced a Green Policy, we are advising our patients to nominate a pharmacy of their choice to reduce the issue of paper prescriptions.

This is a much more efficient way of processing prescription requests, and safer to prevent loss. Moving forward paper prescriptions will phase out.

Urgent medication requests

When you request a medication urgently because you have run out, we will clinically assess if it is urgent for today.

Please go to the surgery and speak to the receptionist stating that this medication is required urgently. You will be asked to complete an urgent medication request form and to call back later to see if it has been done.

Your usual pharmacist should also be able to issue you with an emergency supply but may charge for this.

Please be aware that urgent requests create a lot of extra work so we hope this will not happen often.

Common problems arising with medication requests

Requesting early

We try to prevent waste through stockpiling of medicines. If you need to order early, please give a reason with your request e.g. going on holiday. Failure to do so may lead to your medication request being refused or being post-dated.

Overdue for your check-up

We have a duty to ensure that your medicines are prescribed safely and we will remind you to come for appropriate tests and check-ups. If reminders are ignored, we may reduce your medication supply until you have had your blood test or appropriate check-up.

Keeping medicine records up to date

Let us know if you have decided to stop any medication so we can update your records. It is important that you let your pharmacist or doctor know if you are having any problems with your medication.

Requesting medicines that you only need occasionally

Let us know the name of the medication requested and reason why it is requested. For example stating ‘eczema cream’ is not very specific and this will lead to delay in medication being issued.

Questions about your prescription

We have prescribing pharmacists available to discuss your medicines queries.

Alternatively, your local pharmacists can answer these queries. 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:

• fill out an ask a prescription question 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.

What is a structured medication review? (PDF)

Prescription charges

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

Old and unused medicines

• wasted medicines = lost NHS money
• please only order as needed
• once medication has left pharmacy, it cannot be re-used (even if it is unopened)
• any unused medication should go back to the pharmacist who will safely dispose of it

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.

Over the counter medicines for self-care

Find out more about what you can do to help the NUS use resources sensibly by choosing self-care and your pharmacy to treat common health conditions (PDF).

Lifestyle medicine

We believe that health is achieved by tending to our 4 pillars of health – Food, Movement, Sleep and Stress Management. Lifestyle change is one of the most powerful tools we have at our disposal to combat disease to restore heath and optimise wellbeing. Personal empowerment to take control of your health is the cornerstone of lifestyle medicine.

At Aspen, we run the Eat Real Food programme which is a Real Foods Lifestyle programme with a health focus rather than a disease focus. Central to this programme is the 4 pillar approach – looking at Food, Movement, Sleep and Stress Management.