ST. PETER'S SURGERY - Repeat Prescriptions

HOW TO APPLY FOR ACCESS TO OUR NEW ON-LINE SERVICES

ORDERING A REPEAT PRESCRIPTION

We would prefer you to order your repeat prescription “Online” (see the button / link above).  Alternatively you can order your repeat precription by post or fax using the order form, see the link below, stating clearly the items you required.

Repeat Prescription Leaflet & Order Form

Ordering “Online”, by post or fax reduces the risk of a prescribing error, improves patient safety and saves our telephones for appointment requests.  If ordering by post or fax, please mark the envelope or fax clearly “PRESCRIPTION REQUEST”.  If you need the prescription returning to your home address, please enclose a stamped, addressed envelope.  Alternatively you can place your written requests, using this form, in the repeat prescribing box located next to the self check-in screen in the Surgery’s main reception area. 

 PLEASE NOTE: Requests for repeat medication will not be taken over the telephone.

 FOR ITEMS OF MEDICATION NOT ON THE COMPUTER YOU WILL HAVE TO SEE A DOCTOR.

REVIEW DATE

We expect all patients requiring a repeat prescription to have a periodic review of your medical conditions and medications.  The doctor may need to see you more often and will advise you.  You will not be allowed a repeat prescription after your review date unless the doctor has seen you.  This is to check your medical condition is under control and the medications are still appropriate for your condition.

YOUR MEDICATION  -  YOUR RESPONSIBILITY

We expect you as a patient to take some responsibility for the management of your own drugs.

• Please only order the items you need
• Please do not hoard supplies, all medication has an expiry date and cannot be recycled
• Please do not run out of medication, order repeat medication in good time
• Please allow 48 hours (2 working days) to obtain a repeat prescription
• Please inform the Practice if you want extra medication (i.e. for holiday)
• Please inform the Practice if you feel you do not need a tablet, have side effects or stop taking your medication.
• Please ensure you know why you are taking the drugs – speak to a doctor, nurse or pharmacist if you have any questions regarding your medication
• Please attend for your review when asked

 COLLECTION

 Prescriptions are available to collect from the Surgery 48 hours (2 working days) after you have made your request.   Some chemists will collect your prescription on your behalf – If you want to have your prescription collected by a chemist you will need to order your prescription and then arrange with the Chemist of your choice to collect your prescription. 

Please note: Your chosen Chemist will be able to collect your prescription 48 hours (2 working days) after you have made your request.

The Practice is not a dispensing Practice

EPS - Electronic Prescription Service

A new way to get your repeat medications and appliances

The Electronic Prescription Service (EPS) is an NHS service. It gives you the chance to change how your GP sends your prescription to the place you choose to get your medicines or appliances from.  For more Information please see the link below:

EPS - Patient Information Sheet

Paracetamol and Ibuprofen

St. Peter’s Surgery have recently adapted the guidelines produced by Walsall CCG which aims to restrict the prescribing of Paracetamol and Ibuprofen products for short term use that can be bought at a reasonable cost over the counter. If this guideline is followed it will result in:

• Reduced patient reliance on prescribers for prescriptions.
• Reduced consultations for minor, self-limiting conditions.
• Increased patient self-reliance for minor conditions.

Funding of medicines available to purchase to treat self-limiting conditions and minor ailments and self-care is a personal responsibility.

If you would like to read more – Click here

Vitamin D

St. Peter’s Surgery  have recently adapted the guidelines produced by Walsall CCG on prescribing Vitamin D for daily supplementation.

The Department of Health recommends vitamin D supplementation in certain high risk adult groups in order to prevent Vitamin D deficiency. 

• Funding of vitamin D supplements to protect and maintain bone, teeth and muscle health and for long term maintenance is a personal responsibility. 
• Vitamin D is readily available to purchase in pharmacies, health food shops and supermarkets at a far lower cost than on prescription. 
• It is expected that patients will purchase such supplements. 
• Community pharmacists or other healthcare professionals are able to advise on suitable vitamin D products. 
• For good sources of vitamin D, please visit NHS Choices website: Vitamins and minerals
• NB: *Pregnant /breastfeeding women may be eligible to obtain vitamins free of charge as part of the Healthy Start Scheme. Further information on the eligibility criteria can be found at www.healthystart.nhs.uk.
  

This does not affect GP prescribing of high-dose Vitamin D preparations that are not available over the counter.   

St. Peter’s Surgery will be working in line with the above guidance to promote self-care and will try to reduce the prescribing of these medicines.

For any questions or concerns about this guidance please contact the Practice.