Prescriptions

There are two different types of prescriptions which the doctor may choose to use.

Current or acute prescriptions

Used by a doctor for certain types of medications that are not for regular use. A doctor may choose to put a new medication onto your records as current if they need to see how suitable the medication is for you.

Current prescriptions will not show on your repeat medication form and cannot be ordered online or over the telephone without the receptionist checking with your doctor to ensure another issue can be made.

If you need to reorder a current or new medication please allow an extra amount of time for the medication to be ready for collection.

Repeat prescriptions

Medications that you often take regularly. They can be ordered either

• Online
• By telephone after 11am each day
• By ticking the boxes on your repeat medication slip and placing it in the box in the front foyer of the surgery.

Automatic prescriptions

This system of prescriptions will not be supported by our new computer system being installed week commencing the 18th July 2011.  Patients will be sent a letter in late June or early July explaining that prescriptions will need to be ordered each month from August 2011 onwards.  Please wait until you receive your letter which clearly explains the options open to you and if you still have queries regarding what you should do please contact the surgery.

You need to allow at least 48 hours for all repeat medications to be ready for collection.

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.

The Dispensary

The surgery has its own dispensary and under current legislation is permitted to dispense medications to patients who live more than a mile from any chemist, i.e. outside of Mere.

The dispensary is open during normal surgery hours.

Our dispensers are NVQ2 trained but a doctor always checks the medication before it is given out.

Prescriptions can be ordered in the usual ways and are usually ready for collection 48 hours later.

We do keep a stock of common medications in the dispensary but if medication has to be ordered in for you we receive a daily delivery from our wholesaler. This means that most items can be obtained for the next working day. Occasionally items are out of stock or take a little longer to obtain so it is always important to try to order your medication in plenty of time.