Repeat Prescriptions

Emergency prescription requests are requests for medication which you have run out of and need, to prevent you becoming severely unwell. Emergency medications include; antiepileptic medication, insulin, inhalers and adrenaline pens for anaphylaxis.

Emergency prescription requests cannot be used for medication which has been ordered late. You should allow up to 2 working days for routine repeat prescription requests. Please respect our staff, as it is your responsibility to ensure that your repeat prescription request is ordered in plenty of time.

If you normally take regular repeat medication please let us know by:

Giving us a copy of your repeat prescription slip.

Give us a copy of your medication label on your medication box or bottle which has your name, medication dosage and date.

The prescribing pharmacist will check your medication list and put them on the repeats list but we recommend you make an appointment with the Doctor or Pharmacist to have a medication review within the first month of registering with the surgery. It can take a couple of weeks for your previous records to be delivered to us from your last GP surgery.  If you need medication before that, you can bring in your repeat slip and request your medication. Your doctor might need to contact you about your medication request. Please allow up to 2 working days for a prescription request.

If you have an on-going problem and would like another prescription of a medication previously prescribed to you by the doctor (but not on your repeat list) you may request another prescription. Please let us know the reason for your request and a contact number, in order for the doctor to review your request.

You can make the request online via Systm Online.

Non-repeat medication request may take up to 2 working days to process and the doctor may wish to speak with you.

Requesting Online

You are able to request your repeat prescription via our online services; Systm Online.

Why does it take 2 working days to process a repeat prescription request?

At 102 The Avenue Surgery prescriptions are requested every day.

Our prescription clerk has to check your medical records to ensure that your medication request is on your repeat prescription, it then goes to our Clinical Pharmacist or Doctor to authorise and ensure that it is still appropriate for you. Once authorised, our reception team will file your prescription ready for collection.

Delays may occur if any medication requested is not on your repeat prescription list or if your medication request differs from what is on your list. Your doctor may also request that you make an appointment to have your medication reviewed.

Your GP can send your prescription straight to a pharmacy/chemist electronically, to save you coming to the surgery to pick it up. In order for this to happen you need to nominate a pharmacy/chemist. To do this please log in to the online service, Systm Online . You can then pick up your medication from there, and it will save you a trip to the surgery. For more information, please visit the NHS Electronic Prescription Service Information Page.

Paper prescriptions can also be sent straight to your preferred pharmacy.

Prescription Costs

Visit NHS Choices for information on:

Prescription charges

Who is entitled for free prescriptions

Medical exemptions (certain diseases will exempt you from paying for your prescription)

Free prescriptions for cancer patients, renal dialysis patients and pregnant women

Help for those on low income.

A GP in the surgery at which you are registered can only provide a private prescription if the medication is not available on the NHS.

A private prescription is not written on an official NHS prescription and so is not paid for by the NHS.

The cost of a private prescription is met wholly by the patient and is dictated by the cost of the medicine plus the pharmacists charge for supplying it.

A prescription is a legal document for which the doctor, who has issued and signed it, is responsible. A doctor you see privately can’t issue an NHS prescription.

When your hospital or private consultant recommends a new medication or change to your existing prescription, we understand that you may want this actioned quickly. To ensure safe prescribing and continuity of care, we follow a clear and consistent process.

How We Manage Consultant Medication Requests
We will review and action any new medication requests or changes to your existing medication within 14 working days of receiving a formal letter from your consultant.
Our clinical team will assess whether the requested medication is suitable and safe in the context of your full medical record, NHS prescribing guidance, and any relevant monitoring requirements.
You will be contacted if we need further information or are unable to prescribe the medication in the way requested.
When Does the 14 Working Day Period Begin?
The 14-working-day timeframe begins on the date we receive the formal letter from your consultant, not the date of your appointment. If you are unsure whether your consultant has sent us a letter, please check with them directly. You are welcome to email us a copy of the letter or drop it in at reception if you have it yourself.
What If I Need the Medication Urgently?
NHS and private consultants are responsible for providing a minimum 14-day supply of any new medication they initiate.
This is standard practice across the NHS to allow your GP time to review the change and continue prescribing safely if appropriate.If you have not been issued a short-term supply, please contact your consultant directly to arrange this. We understand that delays can be frustrating, especially when you are managing a new condition.
Please rest assured that we prioritise all consultant medication requests and aim to complete them as quickly and safely as possible.
What if there are other actions my consultant has requested?
If your hospital consultant has suggested further actions—such as referring you to another specialist or arranging follow-up tests—these requests will be reviewed by the referring GP or your usual GP. However, please note:
Consultants are contractually responsible for making onward referrals and arranging appropriate follow-up as part of your specialist care. The British Medical Association (BMA) has clearly stated that passing this workload to GPs is inappropriate and creates unnecessary delays for patients.
If your consultant has asked your GP to make a referral that they should have done themselves, we may ask the hospital to take the necessary action in line with NHS guidance and their contractual obligations.