Prescriptions

Ordering repeat prescriptions

We ask patients to give us up to seven working days notice, or a minimum of three full working days notice when requesting repeat medications.

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: AccuRx

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
• bring the paper form to the surgery, Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 6pm
• drop your request in the box on the outside of the building to the left of the main doors which is accessible 24/7, and please make sure that paper repeat prescriptions have your name, date of birth, contact telephone number and your address as well as the medication you wish to order

We take requests over the telephone for patients who are not able to order their prescriptions online. The phone line is open for short periods during the day, please see our opening times for more information.

Dispensary

The Dispensary liaises closely with the Doctors, Pharmacists, Practice Nurses, District Nurses, Macmillan Nurses, Patient Advisors and Administrators. Dispensing facilities are available for most patients who live more than one mile from a chemist; you will be advised of your eligibility when you register as a patient.

Collecting your prescription

We ask patients to give us up to seven working days notice, or a minimum of three full working days notice when requesting repeat medications.

Non-dispensing patients will need to nominate a pharmacy to have their repeat medication sent to.

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

If you are a dispensing patient and use Marazion Surgery Dispensary, you can leave this option online blank.

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)

The Practice policy for 28-day prescribing intervals has been in place for a number of years in order to achieve a reduction in waste, reduce harm from stockpiled medicines and improve compliance with the medication regime. This has been supported and encouraged by the Integrated Care Board (ICB) for GPs to follow as best practice.

Reducing the amount of medicine which is currently wasted when your doctor stops or changes your medicine
Reducing the potential for error when your medication is changed in the middle of supply
Increased safety as you will not have multiple containers of the same medicine, meaning it is likely to reduce the number of mistakes made by, for example, elderly patients, and it will also reduce the risk of potential poisoning of young children
Many medicines are supplied in 28-day packs, allowing you to check that you have taken your medication each day. You will start and finish the container of each medicine on the same day of the week, meaning it will be easier for your doctor to review all of the repeat medicines you are taking and to see when you have not ordered your medicines.
Many patients have to make several visits each month to their surgery because they have run out of their medicines at different times. With 28-day prescribing you should finish your medicines all at the same time, meaning you will only have to visit the surgery once a month to collect your repeat medicines. It will also reduce the likelihood of needing to make an emergency request if you run out of medicine.
Financial losses due to medicines waste represent a direct loss to patient care. Since 28-day prescribing reduces medicines waste, this in turn has a positive impact on patient care. Studies in the UK and abroad have shown significant savings and a reduction in waste with 28-day prescribing.

If you would like to speak to someone at the GP surgery about your prescription:

• fill in our medication query form.

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.

Prescriptions Charges and Exemptions

Extensive exemption and remission arrangements protect those likely to have difficulty in paying charges (NHS prescription and dental charges, optical and hospital travel costs).

The NHS prescription charge is a flat-rate amount which successive Governments have thought it reasonable to charge for those who can afford to pay for their medicines. Prescription prepayment certificates (PPCs) offer real savings for people who need extensive medication.

NHS charges

These charges apply in England only. In Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales prescriptions are free of charge.

• Prescription (per item): £9.90
• 3-month PPC: £32.05
• 12-month prepayment certificate (PPC): £114.50
• 12 month HRT pre payment certificate (PPC) £19.80

If you will have to pay for four or more prescription items in three months, or more than 15 items in 12 months, you may find it cheaper to buy a PPC.

• Telephone advice and order line 0845 850 0030
• General Public – Buy or Renew a PPC On-line

There is further information about prescription exemptions and fees on the NHS website

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.

• 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.