Repeat Prescriptions

Each GP surgery or primary care practice will have its own procedure for repeat prescribing but the following rules are common to most, if not all. Patients who are well-known to the practice who have a stable condition like asthma, hypertension or diabetes could be allowed to get a repeat prescription for up to six months. Repeat prescriptions are never given to patients who are not known to the practice and there is probably a blanket ban on repeats for narcotics and other drugs that could be misused as doctors are expected to monitor these drugs carefully.

We ask patients allow 48hrs when requesting a prescription.

You can request repeat prescriptions by telephone or through the Manage My Health portal. Remember to include enough detail about the name and dosage of the medicine, and provide contact details so that our nurse can contact you if needed. All repeat prescriptions need to be checked against the patient notes by the doctor signing the prescription. This is a process which can't be rushed, or mistakes can be made. For this reason, repeat prescriptions are normally ready for collection (from your pharmacy) the day after they are ordered. 

We will not give prescriptions for new medicines without seeing you except in extreme circumstances. For regular medications we may require that you have your blood pressure checked, if appropriate, or if you have not been seen for some time we will require you to come in and have a consultation. If the nurse advises you that an appointment is necessary in order to get a repeat prescription, she is following clearly set out protocols designed to ensure the safe and responsible administration of drugs. She is not just trying to create business or make your life difficult!