Ordering repeat prescriptions
The easiest ways to order repeat prescriptions are:
- using your NHS account (through the NHS website or in the NHS App)
- using the GP online system: NHS App
These accounts show you all your repeat medicine and dosage and you can choose the ones you need.
You can also:
- fill out a repeat prescriptions request form
- use the printed request slip attached to your last prescription, clearly mark the items required and drop it in to the surgery
- complete a repeat prescription form (PDF)
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. Remember to take weekends and bank holidays into account.
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
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:
- fill out an ask a prescription question form
Medication reviews
Patients on repeat medication will be asked to see a doctor, nurse practitioner or practice nurse at least once a year to review these regular medications. A notification should appear on your repeat slip to remind you to make an appointment. Please ensure that you book an appropriate appointment to avoid unnecessary delays to further prescriptions.
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.
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.
Practice Policy on the Prescription of “Bridging Hormones” Whilst Awaiting Specialist Review in a Gender Identity Clinic
We have received an increasing number of queries from patients regarding the prescribing and monitoring of hormone therapy while awaiting specialist assessment, particularly “bridging hormones”. We realise that there is currently insufficient support for patients who have waited more than 24 months for their first NHS appointment. However, it is our practice policy that in all situations, a specialist gender identity service confirms the diagnosis and begins the initial hormonal treatment for gender incongruence.
Please note that from 1st November 2024, we are no longer able to enter into new shared care agreements with private specialists. This means that we will no longer be able to prescribe or monitor treatments initiated by a private specialists.
We recognise that GPs are most often the first point of contact with the health care system for patients with gender dysphoria. This is a huge responsibility that we take very seriously. The clinical team at our surgery will:
- Make the initial referral to the specialist gender identity clinic. We will do this referral as rapidly as possible and take into account your preferences as well as waiting times when choosing a clinic.
- Prescribe hormones (and monitor treatment) following the initiation and ongoing recommendation of a specialist gender identity clinic (NHS). This will be as part of a shared care agreement with the specialist endocrinologist, who will offer ongoing support. We are unable to prescribe hormones in any other circumstances.
- Provide support to maintain your mental and physical health. We recognise that accessing specialist clinics can be frustrating and waiting times are long. We can provide mental health support at the surgery by offering advice on self help strategies, treating anxiety and depression (including with medication if appropriate), referring to local NHS mental health services, and sign-posting to other support services if needed.
We recognise there is guidance from the Royal College of Psychiatrists and other organisations that GPs “may prescribe” ‘bridging’ endocrine treatments as part of a holding and harm reduction strategy while the patient awaits specialised endocrinology or other gender identity treatment” particularly if patients are already taking hormones from illicit sources. However, we are not experienced in initiating hormonal treatments for gender dysphoria and do not feel able to provide “bridging hormones” safely in any circumstance.
Unfortunately, the appropriate support is just not currently available for us to do this. It should be recognised that all the NHS gender identity clinics only initiate hormonal treatment after a number of investigations and input from a specialist team of psychiatrists, endocrinologists, and psychologists. This includes counselling on the side effects and potential long term risks of hormonal treatment. It is not realistic that the same level of support could safely be provided within our practice.