Prescriptions

Patients who are taking regular medication can take advantage of our computerised Repeat Prescription system.

The system is designed to make it more convenient for patients to obtain their prescriptions without having to see the doctor on each occasion, and to reduce the possibility of errors.

You can only request prescriptions that are listed on your Repeat Prescription sheet. If you require any other medication you must make an appointment to discuss this with a doctor.

The maximum supply of medications on Repeat Prescriptions is for 56 days (8 weeks). Please allow 72 hours before collecting your prescription.

Your Repeat Prescriptions will require at least an annual review with a doctor.

Request Repeat Prescriptions on-line

It is now possible for patients to contact the surgery on-line. This will allow you to:

• request repeat prescriptions
• book or cancel appointments
• inform us about changes to your personal details such as change of address or telephone number.

If you would like to use this facility you will need to attend the surgery to register for On-line Access. Please remember to bring some ID such as passport or driver’s license.

Electronic Prescription Service

We are now able to issue Electronic Prescriptions

Instead of receiving a paper prescription from the doctor your prescription can now be sent electronically to your nominated pharmacy where you will be able to collect your medication.

Please remember that you can also request Repeat Prescriptions on-line using Patient Access.

Information:

• Electronic Prescription Service (EPS)
• EPS video
• EPS Information sheet

Nominate a Pharmacy

Ask someone at your GP surgery or at any pharmacy or dispensing appliance contractor that offers EPS to add your nomination for you. Nomination means you choose a place for your GP practice to electronically send your prescription to. You don’t need a computer to use EPS. 

You can change your nomination or cancel it and get a paper prescription. If you don’t want your prescription to be sent electronically just tell your GP. If you want to change or cancel your nomination speak to any pharmacist or dispensing appliance contractor that offers EPS, or your GP practice. Tell them before your next prescription is due or your prescription may be sent to the wrong place.

Benefits

You will not have to visit your GP practice just to pick up your paper prescription. Instead, your GP will send the prescription electronically to the place you choose, saving you time.

The prescription is an electronic message so there is no paper prescription to lose.

You will have more choice about where to get your medicines from because they can be collected from a pharmacy near to where you live, work or shop.

If the prescription needs to be cancelled the GP can electronically cancel and issue a new prescription without you having to return to the practice – saving you extra trips.

You may not have to wait as long at the pharmacy as your repeat prescriptions can be made ready before you arrive.

Hospital Prescriptions

Hospital Prescriptions should be taken to the Hospital Pharmacy to be dispensed.

Private Consultant Prescriptions

Private Consultant Prescriptions can be dispensed at any pharmacy. Where appropriate the GP’s will consider transferring the prescription to an NHS prescription but only after receiving written correspondence from the consultant.

The GP may decide not to issue an NHS prescription or may decide to give alternative treatment.

Private GP Prescriptions

Under certain circumstances your GP may issue you with a Private Prescription. We do not charge a fee for Private Prescriptions (except for antimalarial medication), but when the drug is dispensed by the pharmacist you will be charged for the cost of the medication.

Prescribing Policy

Wherever possible we aim to prescribe the most cost-effective treatment in line with NICE Guidelines and with support from Barnet CCG.

Over the Counter Medicines

When you visit your GP you will not generally be given a prescription for over the counter medicines for short-term minor health concerns, even if you qualify for free prescriptions.

There is a list of medicines your GP cannot prescribe please visit:

www.nhs.uk/OTCmedicines