Prescriptions

Ordering repeat prescriptions

Repeat prescriptions are not done automatically. You will need to request your prescription when you are due.

You can request your repeat prescriptions through:

Online – The quickest way to request your prescription. You can request a prescription using the NHS app, which can be accessed using the link at the top of the page. You can also make changes to your pharmacy through the app
In person – You can tick the required prescriptions on the printed order slip. These can be dropped into the surgery or posted.
Email – Email in your prescription request to: mseicb-bb.prescriptions.ballardswalk@nhs.net

We will not take telephone prescription requests.

You can order repeat prescriptions up to one week in advance. Please allow 3 working days for your request to be reviewed and actioned.

Acute Prescriptions

If you are requesting any medications that are not on your repeats, they will not be processed. You will need to contact the surgery on 01268 542901 to book an appointment with a clinician.

Going away?

You will need to let us know if you require your prescription whilst you are away. Please print out the form here, and return this to reception.

Please note requests for more than 4 weeks supply cannot be authorised.

Lost medication

If you have lost your medication, or if it has been stolen, you must report this to the police before contacting the surgery.

Click here to find full details of our lost medication policy.

Prescription Fees

Help with NHS costs

In England, around 90% of prescription items are dispensed free. This includes exemptions from charging for those on low incomes, such as:

those on specific benefits or through the NHS Low Income Scheme
those who are age exempt
those with certain medical conditions
More information is available at NHS Choices

If you would like to apply for an exemption from Prescriptions Charges due to a medical condition, please come to reception and ask for a form to fill out. Further information on medical exemption can be found on the NHS website.

NHS Charges

These charges apply in England only. In Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales prescriptions are free of charge.

Prescription (per item): £9.90
3-month PPC: £32.05
12-month prepayment certificate (PPC): £114.50

If you will have to pay for four or more prescription items in three months or more than 14 items in 12 months, you may find it cheaper to buy a PPC.

Telephone advice and order line 0845 850 0030
General Public – Buy or Renew a PPC On-line

There is further information about prescription exemptions and fees on the NHS website. Please click on this box to take you to the NHS prescription exemption page.

Hay Fever Medication

Most high strength treatments for hay fever are now available to purchase at your local pharmacy. GPs will no longer be able to give routine prescriptions for hay fever treatments. This is BNSSG Integrated Care Board (ICB) Guidelines. A link to the Local NHS Pathway, where patients are expected to pay “Over the Counter” for the medication, can be found by clicking on this box. Throughout hayfever season, here are just a few example medications that are no longer prescribed by the NHS and must be bought over the counter in your local pharmacy.

Fexofenadine 120mg tablets.
Loratadine 10mg tablets.
Cetirizine 10mg tablets.
Pirinase 0.05% nasal spray.
Beconase inhaler.
Nasacort.
Sodium cromoglicate eye drops.

Electronic Prescription Service (EPS)

The Electronic Prescription Service (EPS) is an NHS service. It gives you the chance to change how your GP sends your prescription to the place you choose to get your medicines or appliances from.

What does this mean for you?

If you collect your repeat prescriptions from your GP you will not have to visit your GP practice to pick up your paper prescription. Instead, your GP will send it electronically to the place you choose, saving you time.

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.

You may not have to wait as long at the pharmacy as there will be time for your repeat prescriptions to be ready before you arrive.

Is this service right for you?

Yes, if you have a stable condition and you:

don’t want to go to your GP practice every time to collect your repeat prescription.
collect your medicines from the same place most of the time or use a prescription collection service now.

It may not be if you:

don’t get prescriptions very often.
pick up your medicines from different places.

How can you use EPS?

You need to choose a place for your GP practice to electronically send your prescription to. This is called nomination. You can choose:

a pharmacy. a dispensing appliance contractor (if you use one).
your dispensing GP practice (if you are eligible).

Ask any pharmacy or dispensing appliance contractor that offers EPS or your GP practice to add your nomination for you. You don’t need a computer to do this.

Can I change my nomination or cancel it and get a paper prescription?

Yes you can. If you don’t want your prescription to be sent electronically 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.

Is EPS reliable, secure and confidential?

Yes. Your electronic prescription will be seen by the same people in GP practices, pharmacies and NHS prescription payment and fraud agencies that see your paper prescription now. Sometimes dispensers may see that you have nominated another dispenser. For example, if you forget who you have nominated and ask them to check or, if you have nominated more than one dispenser. Dispensers will also see all the items on your reorder slip if you are on repeat prescriptions.

For more information please visit the NHS Choices website.