Heathcote Prescription Information
HEATHCOTE MEDICAL CENTRE
THE REPEAT PRESCRIPTION SERVICE
What is a ‘Repeat Prescription’
This refers only to medication which a clinician has decided can be available for a further request without a formal clinical review. This excludes any ‘one off ‘ prescription and the clinician will decide on the appropriate safe quantity and how many times it can be requested before a clinical review of some kind is required. Please note that ‘Repeat’ does not mean ‘Automatic’ – someone has to specifically request medication from the GP Surgery for it to be formally issued [unless on eRD –see below]
If a repeat medication has not been requested for a long time [usually more than a year] it may no longer be visible on the list as a safety measure – we have NOT stopped this drug but any further request may trigger a request for further information or review.
How do I request my Repeat Medication?
NHS App – this is the easiest and most effective way as you can see your ‘repeat drug list’, choose what you need and this request goes directly to a GP at the surgery. We strongly recommend that all patients try to use this approach
On Line Requests via our website – however this does require writing out each drug individually as you can not see your repeat drug list
Written requests – some patients do still prefer to only use this method so do drop it into the surgery and if sent by post please note that this will take longer
Telephone Requests are NOT accepted due to the risk of errors except if there is an absolute emergency in terms of drug supply that can not wait until the next day.
How long will it take to receive the medication?
The surgery now advises that you allow 5 days for the request to be fully processed and sent electronically to your nominated pharmacy so be sure to plan ahead. The number and complexity of drugs taken by our patients have increased significantly over the years and this requires considerable input from the clinicians to ensure that the medication is being prescribed appropriately.
How is my medication monitored?
Every single time a request is received it will be seen by a GP or a Clinical Pharmacist who will assess that request in conjunction with your records and other computer reminders of any appointments that may be required. This is why patients often receive a text message, a telephone call or a booked appointment following a request - often regarding overdue blood tests, BP checks, clinical reviews or to clarify some aspect of the request.
This takes considerable time but we want to ensure that any medication is issued safely and at the correct time
In addition, your medication may be reviewed when a GP sees you for a problem, or if you have been seen at a hospital and we have received a letter following an appointment or an admission.
‘As Required Medications’
Many patients are prescribed medications that are only used if certain symptoms occur eg Inhalers, pain relief, creams. This means that you should only request these when you appear to be running out of a supply. Please do not request these automatically with other regular repeat medications as it can cause confusion and wasted medication.
Do ensure that your nominated Pharmacy understands that they should only provide you with this medication when you are running out AND you have specifically requested it.
We will not stop your medication just because you have not requested it for a while !
The Repeat Dispensing Service [eRD]
If your condition is very stable and all monitoring is up to date your GP may suggest adding you to this special service whereby we send 6-12 months of prescriptions direct to your pharmacy to be given to you at regular intervals without the need to request from the surgery so saving everyone a lot of time. Please note that this may not be appropriate for many patients for safety and monitoring reasons. Also do note that you will not be able to see your repeat drug list on the NHS App if you use eRD [ we have no control over this issue].
Prescription Pre-Payment Certificates
If you know that you are going to have to pay for your prescriptions then in some cases it is more cost effective to purchase a Pre Payment Certificate. Use this link to find out more information : https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/prescriptions/save-money-with-a-prescription-prepayment-certificate-ppc/
What can I do as a patient to help this work well?
1. Wherever possible only use the NHS App to request medication
2. Put in your request at least 5 days before you run out
3. Ensure that you are up to date for your clinical reviews and always attend your booked appointments since for many conditions you will need an annual check eg High Blood Pressure, asthma/COPD, Diabetes
4. Only ask for medication when you are running low especially for the ‘as required’ options
Dr A Pitsiaeli
Partner and Prescribing Lead
Published on 18 August 2025