Prescriptions

Repeat and acute medication

Acute medication is medication that has been issued by the Surgery:
• at the start of your treatment plan
• for short term treatment
• treatment for emergency conditions
• contraception
• controlled drugs

Repeat medication is medication that you are taking on a regular basis. The list of your repeat medication can be found online or attached to your repeat prescription.

How to order a prescription

Acute medication is ordered in writing by handing into reception a prescription request. Alternatively you can fax or post it. Please note you might be asked to see a GP before acute medication is issued.

Repeat medication can be ordered online via the link at the top of this page or are accepted in writing by handing in, posting the prescription request or emailing your request to nelondonicb.southdene.prescriptions@nhs.net

Requests for prescriptions will not be taken over the telephone.

How long does it take for a prescription to be ready

Any prescriptions will be issued at the doctors’ discretion. You might be asked to see a GP before an acute or repeat prescription is issued. This is to ensure safe prescribing.

Please make sure you request repeat prescriptions in plenty of time as we cannot process repeats as emergencies.

Please allow two full working days (this does not include weekends or bank holidays) for your prescription to be processed, checked and signed.

How to collect your prescription

You can collect a prescription at the reception.

Some chemists will collect your prescription from the surgery and deliver to your home, if you have arrangements in place with the chemist. Please speak to the pharmacist if you would prefer this service.

The Surgery provides an Electronic Prescribing Service where the prescription is sent electronically directly to the chemist of your choice so that you do not have to collect a prescription from the Surgery, but collect it straight from the chemist. To use this service, you need to nominate a chemist of your choice, either by informing the Surgery or the chemist.

If you wish your prescription returned by post to you, please enclose a stamped addressed envelope.  

Medication Reviews

Patients on repeat medication will be asked to see a doctor, nurse practitioner or practice nurse at least once a year to review these regular medications and notification should appear on your repeat slip.

Please ensure that you book an appropriate appointment to avoid unnecessary delays to further prescriptions.

Prescriptions Charges and Exemptions

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.

NHS charges

From 1 April 2019, the prescription (per item) charge £9.65

If you need multiple prescriptions:

If you require four or more prescription items in three months or more than 14 items in a year, you may find it cheaper to buy Prescription Payment Certificate (PCC). The charge for a single prescription item is £9.65, whereas a three month PPC will cost you £31.25 and a 12 months PCC - £111.60.  

• PPC telephone advice line 0300 330 134
  
• Buy or Renew a PPC On-line
  

There is further information about prescription exemptions and fees on the NHS website