Ordering repeat prescriptions
Patients, or a nominated person, will need to order a repeat prescription directly from the GP practice.
Community Pharmacies, online pharmacies and other dispensing contractors will no longer be able to order repeat prescriptions on your behalf.
Why has the re-ordering of prescriptions changed
• Increase safety and efficiency
• Prevent stockpiling medicines
• Puts Patients in control of your own medicines
• Give GP practice a clearer picture of the medicines you do and do not use
• Prevent waste through medicines being over ordered
• Reduces spend on unwanted medicines
To order repeat prescriptions you will need to do one of the following:
- using your NHS account (through the NHS website or in the NHS App)
- using the GP online system: Patient Access
These accounts show you all your repeat medicine and dosage and you can choose the ones you need.
You can also:
- bring your paper slip to the surgery (we have these to complete at reception)
- use this form to order via the website (you will need to list the name, dosage and quantity)
We do not take repeat prescription requests over the phone or email.
Collecting your prescription
You can usually collect your prescription 2 working days after you have ordered it.
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:
- on the app or website where you order repeat prescriptions
- at the surgery
- fill out a nominate a pharmacy or other dispenser form
- at any pharmacy that accepts repeat prescriptions
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:
- phone our prescriptions line after 10am on 0161 205 4364
- fill out an ask a prescription question form
Benzo policy
The practice policy is to not prescribe benzodiazepines or zopiclone (tablets like diazepam and temazepam) to new patients under 50 years old. They are associated with many problems.
If you are a new patient over 50 years old, we will need confirmation from your previous GP of your prescription. If we do not have this on record, we will contact your previous GP. No items will be prescribed until we have recieved record.
If confirmation is obtained, we will prescribe them to you on a reducing basis, over a period of time. You may produce dated repeat prescription sheets.
Please keep your booked review appointment and try to see the same doctor each time you attend. We will not prescribe benzodiazepines as an emergency.
Shared Care Agreement Policy
New Collegiate Medical Centre is committed to providing the highest quality care to our patients. As part of this commitment, we support the BMA’s advice on collective action.
After discussing this with neighbouring practices of what collective action would be more suitable, we have made the decision not to agree to prescribe specialist-initiated medication under a voluntary request of a shared care agreements for all hospital specialties. We believe that such medications should be prescribed by the hospital specialists who initiate them.
By taking this approach, we ensure that our patients receive these medications from the appropriate specialist who has in-depth knowledge of the treatment and can prescribe it in accordance with patient safety guidelines.
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).
What to do with old medicines
Take it to the pharmacy you got it from or bring it in to the surgery. 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.
To find a local pharmacy – 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.
NHS Pharmacy First Scheme
The following table shows the 7 conditions pharmacists can manage across various age ranges.
| Clinical pathway | Age range |
| Acute otitis media | 1 to 17 years |
| Impetigo | 1 year and over |
| Infected insect bites | 1 year and over |
| Shingles | 18 years and over |
| Sinusitis | 12 years and over |
| Sore throat | 5 years and over |
| Uncomplicated urinary tract infections | Women 16-64 years |