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: Patient Access
- Email prescription.downland@nhs.net
- Posting your repeat through the letterbox on the front door of the Practice. Medication will usually be ready to collect after 5 working days, you will receive an email or text message when it is ready to collect. We do not work weekends – if you place it in the post-box out of hours or over the weekend we will start the process on Monday
- By completing your repeat slip at the counter when you pick up your medication each month, this Is then placed into our order system for the following month, you will receive an email or text message when it is ready to collect
We are not able to take requests over the phone.
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
- at any Pharmacy that accepts repeat prescriptions
Questions about your Prescription
If you have a question 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.
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
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
Find out more about prescription charges.
What to do with old medicines
Please take unwanted medication 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.
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.
Follow The Downland Pharmacy on social media
Keep up to date on our social media for surgery announcements, advice and news.
Patient Information:
Our practice is dedicated to ensuring patient safety and medication compliance. We provide Nomad trays for patients who cannot manage their medications from original packaging and have no family members, carers, or others to assist with shop-bought dispensers.
Patients need to be individually assessed by their GP to determine eligibility for a Nomad tray. We encourage patients and their families or carers to use shop-bought Nomad trays to maintain independence, as preparing these trays is resource-intensive for our staff. Nomad trays are particularly beneficial for those with visual or cognitive impairments, physical limitations, complex medication regimens, forgetfulness, or a history of medication errors. These risks can often be mitigated by someone assisting with a shop-bought Nomad tray.
If no one is available to help, patients should complete the Downland Practice Nomad Tray Eligibility Assessment Form, which will be considered by the GP.
Prescribing Policy
Downland Practice Monthly Prescribing Statement:
At our dispensing practice, we are dedicated to providing high-quality care while ensuring the responsible use of NHS resources. As part of this commitment, and following the advice of the Medicine Optimisations Team (part of the Integrated Care Board), we typically prescribe medications on a monthly basis. This policy is designed to achieve several important goals:
- Patient Safety : By prescribing one month at a time, we can closely monitor your treatment and make timely adjustments if necessary, ensuring that you receive the most appropriate care.
- Cost Efficiency : Prescribing monthly helps to reduce unnecessary costs to the NHS by minimising medication wastage. This approach ensures that resources are used effectively, benefiting all patients.
- Supply and Demand Management : With ongoing challenges in medication supply, prescribing monthly allows us to better manage stock levels and ensure that medications are available when you need them.
- Reducing Wastage : One of the main reasons this approach is encouraged is to minimise waste caused by medication changes or over-ordering. By limiting prescriptions to one month, we can help prevent the accumulation of unused medications, which can lead to wastage and environmental concerns.
- Equitability: To ensure fairness, we treat all patients equally by adhering to a consistent prescribing policy. This means extended prescriptions are only considered in exceptional circumstances, ensuring that all patients receive equitable care.
There may be occasions when prescribers are asked to provide longer scripts, such as for holiday cover. In agreeing to these requests, we will need to ensure the next prescription is not issued until it is due, as this will impact the prescribing budget and increase the risk of medication abuse or overuse. You can find more information on Guidance for Travelling Abroad from the ICB here: BOB ICB Primary Care Guidance for Travelling Abroad.pdf
We understand that some patients may have experienced different prescribing practices in the past. Previous surgeries may have offered longer prescriptions due to varying policies or patient needs. However, as a dispensing practice, we have a unique responsibility to balance patient care with the efficient management of NHS resources.
We recognise that there may be exceptional circumstances where a longer supply is needed. In such cases, please complete the Downland Practice Extended Prescription Request Form and a clinician will consider your individual needs and make a decision based on clinical judgement.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in helping us provide the best possible care while supporting the sustainability of NHS resources.