Repeat Prescriptions

If you need regular medication on prescription your doctor will usually organise a repeat prescription for you. This can then be ordered at set intervals without seeing the doctor in person. If you are a new patient to the practice, we will need to see you in person first to arrange this service.

Repeat prescriptions are normally issued on a monthly basis. Prescriptions should be primarily ordered online (i.e. NHS App or SystmOnline), however if you do not have access to the internet then you can contact us by telephone between 11:00 - 12:00 and 15:00 - 16:00.

Please contact the surgery to get set up for Online Services if you are not already.

PLEASE ORDER YOUR REPEAT MEDICATION IN ADVANCE - we operate on a 48 hour turnaround for requests. The practice is NOT able to take requests for SAME DAY REPEAT MEDICATION.

Collecting your Medication

Once completed, you can collect your medication from your nominated pharmacy - please check their policies on how long it takes them to dispense the medication once they have received the prescription.

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.

Pharmacy First

Free advice and treatment for minor illnesses such as;

Aches and Pains
Allergies
Cold and Flu
Ear Care
Eye Care
Stomach Aches
Head Lice
Any Skin or Mouth Problem

If your condition is more serious, the pharmacist will then refer you to your GP.

For more information please visit:

www.newcastlegatesheadccg.nhs.uk/thinkpharmacyfirst

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): £9.65
12-month prepayment certificate (PPC): £111.60
3-month PPC: £31.25

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

Exemptions

Exemption forms are available at the surgery and are available to anyone who can declare that they have:

A permanent fistula (i.e. colostomy, laryngostomy, ileostomy) requiring continuous surgical dressing or requiring an appliance
Epilepsy for which continuous anti-convulsive therapy is required
Diabetes mellitus which is not solely controlled by diet
Myxoedema (that is, Hypoparathyroidism requiring thyroid hormone replacement)
Hypoparathyroidism
Diabetes insipidus or other forms of hypopituitarism
Forms of hypoadrenalism (incl. Addison's disease) for which specific substitution therapy is essential
Myasthenia gravis
A continuing physical disability which means you cannot go out without the assistance of another person(s). Temporary disabilities do not count even if they last for several months
Cancer and are undergoing treatments for the effects of cancer or the effects or current or previous cancer treatment

Forms must be first filled out by the patient and then will be handed to the GP for signing. Once the GP has completed their part, we will contact you to inform you the form is ready to collect and you can then post it on to the NHSBSA.