Repeat Prescriptions

Ordering Repeat Medication through Our New Website

Important Information:

Once registered, patient details will be remembered by the system making subsequent ordering easier and individuals will also be able to view their own previous orders. This information is encrypted and securely stored, only being accessible by the individual and the surgery.

Please leave at least 2 working days between placing an order and coming to collect  it.

We continue to NOT accept prescription requests over the phone, for reasons of safeguarding patient safety.

Prescriptions for new medication can only be issued following consultation with the Doctor.

Repeat Prescription Requests

If your doctor has prescribed medication which he/she wishes you take on a regular basis you may be issued with repeat prescriptions without seeing a GP each time.

IMPORTANT please allow 2 clear working days, excluding weekends and Bank Holidays for all repeat prescription requests.

You may re-order these by:

• Online - click the link above to order your repeat prescription from the web site
• By Post (please allow time for your request to reach us)
• By Fax (0151 327 8738)  WE DO NOT ACCEPT TELEPHONE REQUESTS
• In person by placing in request box at the surgery

Hospital Prescriptions

A hospital prescription will either be faxed or given to you to bring into surgery. These prescriptions will also be available within 48 hours.

Don't Run Out

Please ensure that you request your next prescription in plenty of time before your current supply runs out - particulary when approaching public holidays or when you are planning your annual holiday.

Medication Reviews

Printed on your script you may have a message informing you that your annual medication review is due and to make an appointment. Please ensure that an appointment is made so the medication prescribed for you continues to be suitable and effective. Specific pre-bookable appointments are provided for these reviews.

Prescription collection points

We have a facility where several local chemists are willing to pick up an ordered prescription and have it made up ready for the patient to collect directly from the pharmacy. This can be arranged in one of two ways: firstly, if your doctor agrees, then your prescriptions can be issued under the new Repeat Dispensing Scheme (this is our preferred option as it saves our staff and the chemist's time); otherwise you can contact the chemist directly to request this service as they are unable to do so without your authorisation.

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.

Generic Policy

Every drug has 2 names. It can be very confusing. For example NUROFEN is a trade name or marketing name, the generic or chemical name is IBUPROFEN. Similarly PANADOL and PARACETAMOL.

The government encourage us to prescribe generically and usually there is no difference in the effect between a branded and a generic version. In drugs where there may be a difference then we will prescribe by the trade name.

It also means that sometimes the packaging in which you receive your medicine from the pharmacist will be different to the one you are used to. However, if you check the drug (generic) name on the packet, you should find that it is the same drug. If it isn't, speak to your pharmacist!

Equivalence - quantity of drugs allowed on each prescription

The Government recommends that on any prescription the maximum quantity of drugs prescribed should be those needed for 28 days. If further supplies are needed then they should be repeated every 28 days. The Government say this would prevent wastage and save over 10% of the national drug bill. For some medicines that you have been taking for a long time we may issue longer prescriptions.

Getting value for your tax-payer's money

From time to time the cost of certain medicines reduces dramatically once the pharmaceutical companies have recouped the costs of development of that drug. We sometimes approach patients and ask if they will change their current medication to the better value preparation. We would only do this if we were sure that the change is suitable for you and that you would get the same benefits, without any added risks, from your original medication. As an example, there is a potential saving of £1 billion over the next five years