Prescriptions

ORDERING REPEAT MEDICATION

If you take medication regularly , you usually have a repeat prescription. This means you can order your medicine when you need it, without having to see a GP each time. Some items are available on repeat dispensing which means you are able to ask your pharmacy directly for your medication. Patients are notified if they have been set up for repeat dispensing as it is not available for all patients. Ways to order repeat medications are:

• 1) using your NHS account (through the NHS website or in the NHS App) OR using the GP online system: Patient Access
• The above apps list your repeat medicine and dosage and you can choose the ones you need at the click of a button, without the need to type the items out each time. This is safer and quicker for you
• 2) Email – gmicb-tr.clinical.davyhulme@nhs.net
• 3) bring or post the paper form to the surgery, Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 6.30pm/we also have forms in the surgery to complete
• 4) hand the form into a local pharmacy; please view the list below

We do not take repeat prescription requests over the phone for clinical safety reasons

NHS App

Order repeat prescriptions on the NHS App

Check test results, order repeat prescriptions and much more. Manage your health the easy way with the NHS App.

Login to NHS App

Collecting your prescription

Please allow three full working days for prescriptions to be processed.

Due to the high volume of prescriptions we are unable to contact patients to let them know their prescription is ready for collection.

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
• at your GP practice
• 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:

• phone our pharmacist after 10am on 0161 748 5559

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 and notification should appear on your repeat slip. 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 and they will dispose of this medication for you. 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.

• Find a pharmacy (nhs.uk)

Many pharmacies are open until late and at weekends. You do not need an appointment.

Most pharmacies have a private consultation room where you can discuss issues with pharmacy staff without being overheard.

NHS Electronic Prescription Services

This service allows prescriptions to be sent electronically from the surgery to your nominated pharmacy for collection. Please speak to your chosen pharmacy or at our reception if you would like to use this service.

Minor Ailments Service

Our local chemists offer a Minor Ailments Scheme which enables patients to get some medications without prescription.

Please click here to see details of medications available over the counter.

Prescribing Guidance

In March 2018 NHS England published new prescribing guidance covering 35 minor, short term health conditions which are either self-limiting or suitable for self-care.

A ‘self-limiting’ condition does not require any medical advice or treatment as it will usually clear up on its own (such as sore throats, coughs, colds and viruses) and a ‘minor illness that is suitable for self-care’ can be treated with items that can be purchased over the counter from a pharmacy.

The guidance from NHS England recommends that GPs no longer prescribe medicines that are readily available over the counter at pharmacies. Please click here for further details.