Order your repeat prescription.

Most patients will be familiar with prescriptions which are signed and issued by doctors which allow you to receive your medicines.  We now can send your prescription directly to the chemist of your choice.  Please advise reception who your nominated chemist is.

We can also send 6/12 months of medication (for certain medication) to the chemist for you so that you only have to order twice a year.  Please ask reception to set this up for you if you wish to take advantage of the system.

Making better use of your money in the NHS

Bedfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group has introduced an initiative to get better value for your money on prescription medicines. Every year in Bedfordshire alone over half a million pounds is spent on some prescription medicines that are ‘poor’ value for money, which is money that we are not able to spend in other areas of healthcare.

Therefore the Practice will no longer be prescribing these particular medicines:

• Medicines that are nationally recognised as having ‘limited clinical value’, this may be because the evidence does not show a benefit or because there are safer alternatives
• Medicines that are not recommended by national organisations such as NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence)
• Expensive brands where a less costly generic form is available (i.e. the same drug prescribed under a different name)
• Medicine that is more typically associated with self-care such as cough and cold remedies, hay fever remedies and nasal sprays for occasional use, antifungal nail paints, haemorrhoid treatments, gripe water, colic products and topical warming rubs. All of these can be purchased from your local pharmacy, with advice from the pharmacist, for self-care. You do not need a doctor’s appointment or prescription for these medicines
• Food supplements such as glucosamine, fish oils, multivitamins, probiotics and complementary therapies that are a ‘lifestyle choice’ as the evidence does not support their use
• Travel vaccines that are nationally classed as private vaccines such as Rabies, Yellow fever and hepatitis B
• Medicines that only have a cosmetic benefit rather than a health benefit

By spending less on medicines like these the money saved can be used for treating longer term conditions such as asthma, cancer, diabetes and high blood pressure.

The doctors, and practice staff would appreciate your support and understanding by not being asked to provide a prescription for these products.

Ordering Repeat Prescriptions

What is a Repeat Prescription?

A repeat prescription is a medication that your doctor has authorised on your medical records which can be supplied for a certain period of time on a regular basis without you needing to see your doctor each time. Repeat prescriptions are normally authorised for a period of 6 to 12 months but this may vary with the type of medicine and at the doctor’s discretion.

How do I get my prescription?

The doctor will send your first prescription to your chosen chemist where you will be able to collect your medication. The chemist will give you a white counterfoil which shows the list of drugs that you can order as repeat issues. We also call this the repeat counterfoil. Please keep this as you need it to order more medication.

To order more medication:

Please only order the medication you require – do not order medication ‘just in case’ as this is often wasted.

To order your medication you can:

• Go online and order via our online services.
• Tick the items on your counterfoil and hand it in to the surgery.
• There are forms in Reception if you have mislaid your counterfoil.

Please give the practice 5 working days (excluding weekends and Bank Holidays) before collection.

Make your request in good time to ensure that you do not run out of medication.

We are unable to take requests over the telephone. This is for your own safety and security so we appreciate your understanding.

Prescription Charges

Some people are entitled to free prescriptions. Examples include:

• aged under 16 or 60 or over
• if you are pregnant
• medical exemption

For more information please visit the NHS website at www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/Healthcosts/Pages/Prescriptioncosts.aspx

If you have to pay for prescriptions and need more than 5 items in 4 months or 14 in 12 months you could save money by buying a Pre-payment Certificate to buy a PPC please visit www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/help-nhs-prescription-costs/prescription-prepayment-certificates

We now accept all major credit and debit cards (excluding American Express and Diners).