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Spinney Hill Medical Centre

Prescriptions

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Ordering repeat prescriptions

The easiest ways to order repeat prescriptions are:

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

Important things to note:

  • We accept prescriptions in advance so there is no need to wait until your medication is running out; please give yourself plenty of time to request repeat prescriptions, especially if you are going on holiday
  • You cannot collect your prescription on Saturdays
  • Requests for any medication not on the repeat order form will have to be approved by a doctor, and if authorised, prescriptions will take longer to process

Collecting your prescription

Your prescription will usually be sent to your pharmacy to be dispensed within 5 working days.
It may take an additional 2 to 3 days for your local pharmacy to dispense your medication.

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:

  • speak with a member of reception team
  • on the app or website where you order repeat prescriptions
  • at any pharmacy that accepts repeat prescriptions

Green policy

Spinney Hill Medical Practice has introduced a Green Policy, we are advising our patients to nominate a pharmacy of their choice to reduce the issue of paper prescriptions.

This is a much more efficient way of processing prescription requests, and safer to prevent loss. Moving forward paper prescriptions will phase out.

Urgent medication requests

When you request a medication urgently because you have run out, we will clinically assess if it is urgent for today.

Please go to the surgery and speak to the receptionist stating that this medication is required urgently. You will be asked to complete an urgent medication request form and to call back later to see if it has been done.

Your usual pharmacist should also be able to issue you with an emergency supply but may charge for this.

Please be aware that urgent requests create a lot of extra work so we hope this will not happen often.

It remains your responsibility to ensure that you order your medication in advance – we suggest when you have 10 days supply left, think about re-ordering then.

Common problems arising with medication requests

Requesting early

We try to prevent waste through stockpiling of medicines. If you need to order early, please give a reason with your request e.g. going on holiday. Failure to do so may lead to your medication request being refused or being post-dated.

Overdue for your check-up

We have a duty to ensure that your medicines are prescribed safely and we will remind you to come for appropriate tests and check-ups. If reminders are ignored, we may reduce your medication supply until you have had your blood test or appropriate check-up.

Keeping medicine records up to date

Let us know if you have decided to stop any medication so we can update your records. It is important that you let your pharmacist or doctor know if you are having any problems with your medication.

Requesting medicines that you only need occasionally

Let us know the name of the medication requested and reason why it is requested. For example stating ‘eczema cream’ is not very specific and this will lead to delay in medication being issued.

Questions about your prescription

Your local pharmacists can answer these queries. 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, please call 0116 482 7140 / 0116 482 7142

Medication reviews

If you have a repeat prescription, your medications will be reviewed by Prescribers. If necessary, we will be in touch to discuss further.

Prescription charges

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

Old and unused medicines

  • wasted medicines = lost NHS money
  • please only order as needed
  • once medication has left pharmacy, it cannot be re-used (even if it is unopened)
  • any unused medication should go back to the pharmacist who will safely dispose of it

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.

Lifestyle medicine (Lifestyle changes)

We believe that health is achieved by tending to our 4 pillars of health – Food, Movement, Sleep and Stress Management. Lifestyle change is one of the most powerful tools we have at our disposal to combat disease to restore heath and optimise wellbeing. Personal empowerment to take control of your health is the cornerstone of lifestyle medicine.

Real food is whole unprocessed foods. Real food is more nutrient dense, has no added sugar and is naturally lower in carbohydrates.