Prescription Requests from Pharmacies

Posted on November 18th, 2024

FROM THE 3^rd February 2025 WE WILL NOT BE TAKING PRESCRIPTION REQUESTS FROM PHARMACIES.

From the 3^rd February 2025 we are asking you to order your medicine directly from the Surgery, rather than allowing your repeat prescriptions to be ordered on your behalf by your pharmacy.   We will no longer be accepting prescription requests from pharmacies for the majority of our patients from this date.  If you request your medication directly from the surgery, nothing will change.

Repeat medication requests can be ordered by patients, a nominated family member of by a carer.  From the 3^rd February onwards your prescriptions will need to be ordered using one of the following options:

• Ordering online using one of the apps, ie. NHS App, MyGP or Patient Access. If you do not already have this set up, please visit nhs.uk/nhs-app to download the NHS App and create your account.  Carers can request proxy access on the NHS App that will allow them to order repeat medications on behalf of the person that they care for.

• Use a repeat slip (the right-hand side of your repeat prescription) to order the items that you need and drop this off to the surgery (there is a red post box outside the main front door if we are closed or you can bring it round to the surgery).

• You can email us at orchardfamilypractice@nhs.net to request your medication.

• You can use the Contact Us form available on our website at orchardfamilypracticerainham.nhs.uk

In the interests of patient safety we do not accept requests for repeat prescriptions over the telephone.

Why is this happening?  Many patients and healthcare professionals have told us that they are concerned about the amount of medicines being wasted.  We have looked at areas around the country and have seen that when patients order their own prescriptions, this is safer for the patients, reduces waste and empowers patients to take control of their own medicine ordering.  Over-ordering costs the NHS hundreds of millions of pounds each year and we believe this money should be used to provide vital health services.  Our NHS needs everyone to work together to  make sure only medicines that are needed are requested.  In addition, the current system can lead to errors and is very time consuming for the pharmacies and the practice.  In very exceptional circumstances the current method of ordering may continue.  If you believe this is a case for yourself, please contact us in writing to the Practice.

Things to consider when ordering medication.  Please remember to allow enough time when ordering your repeat prescription for the items that you need.  We require 48 workings hours notice to generate a prescription and then you need to allow enough time for the pharmacy to prepare the prescription.  It is important to order the medication that you take on a regular basis.  We do not normally issue a prescription more than 7 days early for safety reasons.  However, should you need to order earlier than usual, please get in touch with us and inform us of the reasons.

What will happen once the medication has been ordered and then issued?  This part of the process has not changed and you should continue to receive medication in the same way as you have done in the past.  Your prescription will be sent to your nominated pharmacy.  If you do not have a nominated pharmacy you can go to the pharmacy of your choice and give them your NHS no/Date of Birth or prescription reference number and they will be able to download it.  If you use one of the Apps this will allow you to tract the request and see when it is approved as well as changing where you would like the prescription to be sent.

Thank you for your understanding.