Repeat Prescriptions

There are 3 methods of ordering repeat prescriptions: (please DO NOT use Engage, the online consultation process for ordering medication)

1. The NHS Prescription Medicines Orderline (MOL) who can be contacted between 9am and 4pm Monday - Friday on 0115 855 0260
2. Online - by using  SystmOnline (see Online Services tab).   
3. By ticking the required drugs on your most recent prescription and then depositing it in the box marked “repeat prescriptions” situated in the waiting room when the Practice is open or posting through the letterbox when closed.

  
Please give a minimum of 2 working days notice prior to collection - see  timetable.

 Spring Bank Holiday Repeat Ordering and Collection

Change to 56 day Prescribing 

In line with the other practices in our locality, Arthur Medical Centre is changing our general prescribing periods from 28 day to 56-day prescribing, starting from April 2023 with a phased approach over the next 12 months .   This change of practice is intended to support those patients who pay for their prescriptions and may be prohibited from accessing their medication due to cost. This policy is also felt to be more convenient for our patients.

We have agreed that the following patients will remain on 28-day prescribing

•       Blister pack patients
•       Care Home patients
•       Weekly list patients
•       Patients at risk of overdose
•       Complex patients where medication is often changing
•       Patients on multiple medications (over 10 items)
•       Patients on Controlled Drugs e.g., morphine gabapentin /pregabalin
•       High risk drugs e.g. DMARDS Lithium Amiodarone

We will amend patients' prescriptions upon completing annual medication reviews. This is normally conducted in line with patient's birthdays from April 2023. This means we will have reviewed most patients with a repeat prescription by March 2024.

Patients who pay for their prescriptions may request via Reception to organise this ahead of their annual review. In this event, a request will be sent to the pharmacy group for review and if appropriate, your repeat prescription will be changed if it is considered safe to do so . This does not require an appointment to be booked with a clinician.

Practice Pharmacist

New patients on a number of medicines can be seen by the practice Pharmacist to ensure we maintain their current medication and that appropriate ongoing appointments are scheduled.

You may also book an appointment to see the practice Pharmacist if you would like further information regarding any of your current medications.

These changes will allow the doctors to make their appointments available for more complex problems which the nurses and pharmacist cannot deal with.

Appointments can be booked up to 4 weeks in advance by telephoning reception.

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.