What is a repeat prescription?
A repeat prescription is a prescription whereby you can obtain further supplies of your medication without having to see your doctor.
What medication can I get on my repeat prescription?
Only your doctor can decide whether you can have a medication on repeat prescription and how long for. This may include medication that you need regularly or for a long period and that your doctor thinks is safe for you to take without being seen for every request.
Most medication that is needed for short course treatments would not be repeat medication. Also, when you start on new medication, your doctor needs to keep an eye on you to see if the drugs make you better or worse, before deciding on whether to make it a repeat medication.
What are the advantages of having a repeat prescription?
It is more convenient for you and allows you to participate actively in your treatment. It frees up time for your doctor to see people. This means that when you need your medication you simply re-order it by emailing cwicb.springhillmc@nhs.net without a doctor’s appointment. If this is not possible then please contact the Practice.
How do I re-order my repeat medication?
You can request your repeat medication either:
- Via post box to the left of the practice premises
- Via email: cwicb.springhillmc@nhs.net
- Through your chemist
- By post (please enclose a stamped addressed envelope)
How long do I have to wait to collect my prescription?
Please allow at least 72 hours for your request to be processed and ready for collection. If the medication needs reviewing by a doctor then this will be much longer.
Please ask practice staff for more details.
At what stage do I re-order my next repeat prescription?
Do not wait until you have run out of medicines.
Usually when you have a week left is a good time to put in a request. This gives enough time for collection from the surgery and dispensing at the pharmacy. Some pharmacies offer a ‘repeat prescription collection service’ from local surgeries. This enables you to collect the dispensed medicines from your chosen pharmacy without making another trip to the surgery for collection. Please allow an additional 24 to 48 hours for the pharmacy to order and dispense your drugs.
If you have special drugs or large quantities it enables the pharmacist to have your drugs ready for your collection, saving you repeated trips for incomplete prescriptions. Ask your surgery staff or local pharmacist for more details.
Remember:
- Ask your doctor or pharmacist about any concerns you might have
- Inappropriate use of the repeat system can cause unnecessary delays and wastage
- Make sure you understand why and how you should take all your medicine
- Return any unwanted medication to your local pharmacy for destruction
- Do not keep large amounts of drugs in the house
- Only order the drugs you need