How to order your repeat prescriptions
You can order your prescriptions in the following ways:
- using your NHS account (through the NHS website or in the NHS App)
- using the GP online system: SystmOnline
- in person
Appliances can be ordered by calling the appliance ordering line on 0300 421 1215.
Collecting your prescription
You can usually collect your prescription 3 working days after you have ordered it.
This enables your GP to review your request against your medical records in a time that is dedicated solely to this task, and not in the middle of a busy emergency surgery.
We are not a dispensing practice. This means that we do not hold medication to fill prescriptions, and that you must collect your items from a pharmacy.
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
- fill out a nominate a pharmacy or other dispenser form
- at any pharmacy that accepts repeat prescriptions
Over the counter medicines
Since May 31, 2018, a range of medicines that are available to buy over the counter from pharmacies and supermarkets will no longer be routinely prescribed by GP surgeries.
These are medicines associated with a number of minor, short-term health conditions which either get better by themselves or you can easily treat yourself.
The change applies to medicines for a total of 35 conditions.
This includes, for example, medicines for coughs, colds, infrequent cold sores of the lip, mild to moderate hay fever, mild cystitis, nappy rash, warts and verrucas, earwax and head lice.
It also applies to a range of vitamins and minerals, unless from medical tests it is clear that the person does not sufficient natural levels.
The annual prescribing cost for these medicines in Gloucestershire is around £2 million, which could be better used to support more serious health conditions.
Costs to the NHS are often higher than those over the counter when other fees are included, such as those those for dispensing or medical consultations.
The change will also heal to ease some of the pressure on GP surgeries, so doctors and other healthcare professionals can concentrate on patients with more serious or long-term conditions.
The average cost of many of these medicines no longer prescribed on NHS prescription will be around £2 to £3, for example olive oil ear drops, antifungal skin cream or antihistamine tablets. The price of these items may vary slightly, but will range from 30p (for a small packet of paracetamol) to around £5 (for a bottle of branded cough medicine). Please discuss the best range of medicines available to you with your community pharmacy team.
We hope that you understand the rationale behind this decision. If you have any concerns about how this will impact your health, please discuss with your GP or Practice Nurse during your next appointment. If you have any concerns or complaints about the decision, please contact the CCG at glccg.pals@nhs.net.
More information on the conditions affected can be found on the link below:
NHS England Guidance: www.england.nhs.uk/publication/conditions-for-which-over-the-counter-items-should-not-routinely-be-prescribed-in-primary-care-guidance-for-ccgs/
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).