Repeat prescriptions

If you need to take medication on a regular basis your Doctor may decide to issue you with repeat prescriptions which will remove the necessity for you to be seen every time you need a fresh supply of medicines. All repeat prescriptions are produced on the Practice computer system and you will be given a repeat slip listing the medication that you can order without seeing the Doctor.

Another Way to Order Your Prescriptions –

Prescription Ordering Direct (POD):
Patients can order via the Swindon CCG ‘Prescription Ordering Direct’ (POD) service which is available from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on weekdays on 0300 303 5090.

For more information on POD visit the CCG website. 

If you are unable to get through to POD, please email their temporary emergency email address bswccg.podemergency@nhs.net.

Please note that when calling or emailing POD, the essential information required is:

  • GP practice
  • Name
  • Date of birth
  • Medicines required
  • Your usual pharmacy

In the interests of patient safety, and in accordance with generally accepted good practice, we do not accept requests by telephone at the practice.

 

When will my Prescription be ready?

Prescriptions will generally be ready for collection in three working days. If you are requesting items which are not currently on your repeat medication list (or if your medication review is overdue) it could take slightly longer to issue prescriptions as the doctor will need to investigate and review your record before approving the prescription.

Please request repeat prescriptions well in advance of public holidays etc. and allow extra time if you are requesting items which are not included on your repeat medication list.

For those that request their prescription be sent to a local pharmacy then the time will be dependent on that pharmacy. Please contact the relevant pharmacy for an indication of the timescale.

Electronic Prescriptions Service

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.

Good Medication Management is Important

Please preempt ordering prescriptions to avoid medication running out.

If you are given 56 days of tablets and you have 7 days left, order your new prescription. In the case of any emergency your regular pharmacist will give you a couple of tablets until you get your new prescription.

It is good practice that repeat medication is regularly reviewed so that you get optimum care. Please make note of the review date and make an appointment to see the doctor.

If you are going on holiday you should take a list of your medication with you. In case you have a problem ENSURE YOU HAVE ENOUGH MEDICATION TO COVER YOUR HOLIDAY. SOME COUNTRIES ALSO NEED A DOCTOR’s LETTER TO EXPLAIN THE MEDICATION. Check with your travel agent.

If you have elderly relatives ensure that they have an adequate supply of their medication. Dossette boxes/blister packs can be arranged if they have a large amount of medication to take.

Useful Information

Each drug has two names – the generic and the brand name. Where possible we use the generic name because this is usually much cheaper for the health service. Due to this, you may notice a change in colour, shape or size of your drug. Do not be concerned by this, you are still receiving the same drug of the same quality, it is only the appearance that has altered.

Please book your medications review appointment at least 10 days before your medication runs out.

Free Prescriptions

Medicines are free to: pensioners, children under 16, people under 19 years old and in full time education, pregnant or nursing mothers, and people suffering from one of a number of specified individual conditions, people on income support or family credit.

Medication Review

The doctors or nurses will wish to review you from time to time. You may see a message on your repeat prescription advising you that you need blood tests or a review. Please make sure that you book this appointment when asked as we may not be able to continue issuing your medication if you have not been seen.

Date published: 8th October, 2014
Date last updated: 1st February, 2024