Prescriptions

Ordering repeat prescriptions

How to order your medication?

The easiest ways to order repeat prescriptions are:

• Online via Patient Access or the NHS account– this is the safest and easiest way
• Via the repeat prescription box at the GP practice
• Via post to the GP practice using the repeat prescription slip
• Via walking into a GP practice

When you collect your medication from the Pharmacy, there will be a repeat prescription request form in the bag. Seven days before you require the medication, tick the items you which to request and drop this into the prescription drop box in the Reception area on the Ground Floor of the building or into the prescription drop box in our waiting room

We will not be able to take Prescription requests over the phone unless you are housebound, nor over the front counter

Patients will not be able to order medicines through their community pharmacy except for:

• patients who are unable to order their medication by any of the recommended routes,
•  those that are vulnerable
• Housebound patients

Patient-led ordering of medicines via the NHS app (PLO) frequently asked questions

How is a vulnerable patient defined in the context of PLO?

 A vulnerable patient, in the context of PLO, refers to individuals who may face challenges using the NHS App to order their medications due to various factors such as medical, cognitive, digital or language barriers. This includes, but is not limited to, patients with severe disabilities, cognitive impairments, those who are at risk of medication misuse or require additional support with managing their prescriptions.

What does “redacted patient access” mean?

Redacted patient access refers to restricted visibility of certain medical records or services within a patient’s online account, often due to safeguarding concerns, confidentiality requirements, or data protection policies.

Can our practice accept repeat medication requests from third party prescription ordering apps other than the NHS App?

The NHS App is the recommended platform for ordering repeat medication prescriptions. However, there are several third-party apps available that offer digital prescription request services. Many of these apps provide additional features such as full medical records access, appointment management, and online messaging, depending on the functionality supported by the GP practice.

If a third-party app is used, it must authenticate via NHS login and link directly with the GP practice system. Apps meeting these criteria are considered acceptable alternatives.

How can a family member order repeat medication on behalf of a patient using the NHS app (e.g. parents of children or carers for elderly patients)?

The NHS App allows proxy access, enabling parents, carers, or family members to order medication on behalf of a patient. To set up proxy access, the patient and the person requesting the proxy access must be registered with the same GP practice and will need to request an access authorisation through their GP practice. Once approved, the nominated individual can access the patient’s medication records and place repeat prescription.

Collecting your prescription

You will need to choose a pharmacy to collect your prescription from. We call this nominating a pharmacy.

You can change your nominated pharmacy at any time:

• on the app or website where you order repeat prescriptions
• fill out a nominate a pharmacy or other dispenser form
• at any pharmacy that accepts repeat prescriptions

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)

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

• fill out an ask a prescription question form

Medication reviews

Patients on repeat medication will be asked to consult with a pharmacist, a doctor, nurse practitioner or practice nurse at least once a year to review these regular medications. The notification date should appear on your repeat slip.

Please ensure that you book an appropriate appointment to avoid unnecessary delays to further prescriptions.

Prescription charges

Find out more about prescription charges (nhs.uk).

What to do with old medicines

Take it to the pharmacy you got it from. 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 room where you can discuss issues with pharmacy staff.

Shared care agreement

Some medications require a Shared Care Agreement.

This is a formal arrangement between a specialist (usually in a hospital or clinic setting) and a general practitioner (GP) to share the responsibility for the ongoing care of a patient, especially when it involves prescribing and monitoring complex or specialist medications. GPs are not legally obligated to accept a shared care agreement—it is a voluntary collaboration, and their professional judgment is central to whether they agree.

As of the 1st June 2025, Three Villages Medical Practice will not be accepting new Shared Care Agreements, with the responsibility of prescribing and monitoring remaining with the initiating provider. Please ensure that the provider that you choose has the facility to prescribe and monitor your condition.

Further information on Prescriptions:

• Clarification on prescription medicines
• Giving medicines to children
• Medication in nurseries and schools
• Sedative prescribing for fear of flying