Prescriptions

Repeat prescriptions are medications that appear on the reverse of your prescription which your doctor would like you to continue on a regular basis.

Ordering repeat prescriptions

The easiest ways to order repeat prescriptions are:

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

You can also:

  • fill out a repeat prescriptions request form
  • fill in a prescription request form or underline the items needed on the tear-off side of your prescription and drop this into the surgery
  • post your request to the surgery (if a stamped and addressed envelope is supplied, your prescription can be returned via Royal Mail)
  • email your request to circle.practice@nhs.net

You may be able to order or cancel your repeat prescriptions online via Patient Access.

We do not take repeat prescription requests over the phone.

Private prescriptions

A GP in the surgery can only provide a private prescription if the medication is not available on the NHS.

A private prescription is not written on an official NHS prescription and so is not paid for by the NHS. A prescription is a legal document for which the doctor, who has issued and signed it, is responsible. A doctor you see privately is unable to issue an NHS prescription.

The cost of a private prescription is met wholly by the patient and is dictated by the cost of the medicine plus the pharmacists charge for supplying it. Our fee for issuing patients with a private prescription is £15.

Collecting your prescription

Information:

You can usually collect your prescription 2 to 3 working days after you have ordered it.

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
  • 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)

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.

Prescription charges

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.

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.

Community pharmacy

Community pharmacists dispense your prescriptions and other medicines, offer testing and screening for common conditions and can advise on minor ailments.

Pharmacists also offer advice on common problems such as:

  • Coughs, colds and flu
  • Bugs and viruses
  • Minor injuries
  • Tummy troubles
  • Women’s health
  • Skin conditions
  • Allergies
  • Aches and pains
  • Children’s problems

They can also help you decide whether you need to see a doctor.

You can talk to your pharmacist in confidence, even about the most personal symptoms and you don’t need to make an appointment. Most pharmacies now have a private consultation area where patients can discuss issues with pharmacy staff without being overheard by other members of the public.

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.