Prescriptions

Ordering repeat prescriptions

The easiest ways to order repeat prescriptions are:

• using your NHS account (through the NHS website or in the NHS App)
• using the GP online system: SystmOnline

These accounts show you all your repeat medicine and dosage and you can choose the ones you need.

You can also:

• bring (or post) the paper form to the surgery, Monday to Friday during opening hours

We do not take repeat prescription requests over the phone or email.

Collecting your prescription from a pharmacy

If you live less than 1 mile from the nearest pharmacy, or if you do not wish to receive your medication from our dispensary, you will need to get your medication from a pharmacy.

You can usually collect your prescription from the pharmacy 7 to 10 working days after you have ordered it.

Most patients nominate a pharmacy to collect their prescription from. You can change your nominated pharmacy by using the NHS App or by asking the pharmacy.

Prescription Dispensing

If you live more than 1 mile in a straight line from the nearest pharmacy, the practice dispensary can provide you with your medication. This includes:

You can receive your medications by: 

• Collecting from the dispensary at Hemsby Surgery between 9 – 12, or 3 – 5.30 Monday to Friday. Your prescription will usually be ready 7 working days after you request it. If we have your mobile number, we will text you once your medication is ready to collect.
• Delivery
• Weekly collections at: 

If you are not already registered for this service, please contact us.

Questions about your prescription

If you have questions about your medicine, your local pharmacists can often 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)

Our Prescription Hub can manage a lot of common prescription questions. To speak to them, phone between 8am – 1pm and 2pm – 5pm Monday – Friday on 01493 748833

Medication reviews

If you have a repeat prescription, we may ask you to come in for a regular review. We will be in touch when you need to come in for a review.

People on long term medication which requires monitoring will be informed about the need to have regular appointments and blood tests by the Prescriber when first prescribed. It is your responsibility to ensure you check when these appointments are due and make them in good time. If the team do not have current test results or a recent review available, they may not be able to issue your medication.

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 or bring it in to the surgery. Do not put it in your household bin or flush it down the toilet.

If you already have spare stock of certain medications sitting in the cupboard, please do not order until it is needed. If you are no longer taking the medicines, please let us know and do not continue to order.

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 consultation room where you can discuss issues with pharmacy staff without being overheard.

If you run out of your repeat medication

If you run out of your repeat medication for any reason, you can request an emergency supply by contacting 111. Some medicines are not permitted as emergency supplies e.g. controlled drugs, medicines that are not on repeat, or repeat medicines that are awaiting a GP authorisation.

Be aware that there are frequent national and global supply problems with some medications.

Taking medication abroad

There are HM customs requirements for taking medication abroad, and you should check with HM customs and the country of your destination to ensure that you comply with any required regulations.

If you are travelling abroad and need repeat medication, please send us a written request for consideration. Please note that any medication issued is at the discretion of the Prescriber and may be refused.

Please be aware that once someone leaves the UK, entitlement to NHS care, including prescription medication, is ended, as people are expected to register for care with a healthcare provider when abroad.

Sedatives for fear of flying

Treatment of flight anxiety through the prescription of benzodiazepine medicines such as Diazepam does not come under the remit of NHS GP services. People who wish to obtain medication to treat flight anxiety are advised to contact a private GP or private travel clinic.

NHS guidance also advises that Benzodiazepines are not appropriate in the treatment of phobias and not advised to be taken in the management of short term or mild anxiety. Sedatives taken whilst flying may also render the user less able to respond to emergencies in flight due to sedation and increase the likelihood of immobility in flight 

Requesting prescriptions recommended by a non NHS provider

If you are requesting a prescription that has been recommended as a result of an appointment with a private hospital or prescriber, please be aware that continuation of the medication on the NHS cannot be guaranteed.

You will need to make an appointment with your GP before this can be considered.