26/05/2026
Now you’ve checked your medications on the updated NHS App, here is some further information on our Repeat Prescription Request Process
To help us process your prescriptions safely and efficiently, please read the following information carefully.
⏳ Processing Times
• Please allow 7 days for your prescription to be ready.
This is from the time your request is received by the surgery to when it is ready for collection from your nominated chemist.
• Please do not contact the surgery to chase prescriptions.
Instead, set up the text message service at your pharmacy so they can notify you when your medication is ready.
• Please do not leave yourself with less than one week’s supply of medication before ordering.
• Please allow extra time around bank holidays, as both the surgery and pharmacies are extremely busy.
• Sometimes pharmacies have to order in medication due to manufacturer delays, which may increase waiting times.
Under exceptional circumstances, we will try to help with urgent requests, but it is your responsibility to request your medication in plenty of time.
💊 How Often We Prescribe
• We normally issue 2 months of medication at a time.
• HRT and thyroxine may be issued 3-monthly.
• Controlled drugs can only be prescribed every 28 days.
• You do not need a paper prescription, we can send you a barcode number by text message, which any pharmacy can use to download your prescription securely from the NHS Spine.
📱 Using the NHS App
• Patients can now see all their repeat items in one place, including medicines that cannot be requested yet, with clear explanations of why, for example, if it’s too soon to order again, or a review is needed. This helps people better understand their medicines, and reduces the confusion where items previously appeared "missing".
✈️ Going Away
• If you are travelling, you may request medication early; however, NHS prescriptions are usually limited to a maximum of 3 months.
• If you will be away for longer than this, you are expected to make alternative arrangements for your medication while you are away.
🧾 Medication Reviews
• We usually review medication in your birthday month (with some exceptions).
• Reviews do not always need to be done by a GP – another clinician may complete this.
• You will be contacted if an appointment is required.
• If you would like to discuss your medication, you can book an appointment with our pharmacist or talk to the community pharmacist in your chosen pharmacy.
🛒 Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medicines
Some medications are not routinely prescribed on the NHS, even if you do not pay for prescriptions.
Common examples include (but are not limited to):
• Paracetamol
• Ibuprofen
• Antihistamines
• Dry-eye drops
• Similar pharmacy-available treatments
Requesting these unnecessarily wastes valuable clinical time.
🌸 Contraception Prescriptions
• Contraception can often be prescribed for longer periods than standard repeat medication if needed.
• Many contraceptive medicines are now also available directly from your local pharmacy without needing to see a GP.
🌐 If You Don’t Have Internet Access
• You can hand your request into the surgery or send it by post.
• If this is not possible, please contact the practice to discuss alternative options.
👪 Can Someone Drop My Request Off?
Yes. A friend, relative or career may hand in your repeat prescription request on your behalf.
Thank you for helping us to provide a safe and efficient service to all our patients.
