Prescriptions
Repeat Prescriptions
Repeat prescriptions are medications that appear on the reverse of your prescription which your doctor would like you to continue on a regular basis.
Ordering repeat prescriptions
The easiest ways to order repeat prescriptions are:
- Using your NHS account (through the NHS website or in the NHS App)
- Sending us an email at: nhsnwl.honeypot@nhs.net
- Contacting your local pharmacy
- Submit a request using our online consultation platform: PATCH’s
You can also:
- Fill out a repeat prescriptions request form (right side of your prescription)
- Bring the paper form to the surgery, Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 6.30pm
We do not take repeat prescription requests over the phone.
Note:
Please allow 48 hours to process your prescriptions. So, remember to order your prescriptions in good time, so you dont run out of your medicines.
Community Pharmacy
Community pharmacists dispense your prescriptions and other medicines, offer testing and screening for common conditions and can advise on minor ailments.
Pharmacists and chemists also offer advice on common problems such as:
- Coughs, colds and flu
- Bugs and viruses
- Minor injuries
- Tummy troubles
- Women’s health
- Skin conditions
- Allergies
- Aches and pains
- Children’s problems
They can also help you decide whether you need to see a doctor.
You can talk to your pharmacist in confidence, even about the most personal symptoms and you don’t need to make an appointment. Most pharmacies now have a private consultation area where patients can discuss issues with pharmacy staff without being overheard by other members of the public.
Pharmacy First
Private Prescriptions
GPs may write private prescriptions for patients which they may wish to do for drugs not available through the Drug Tariff. However, GPs may not normally charge their registered patients for providing such a prescription, although a dispensing doctor may charge for dispensing the prescription. The only occasions when a doctor may charge for a private prescription are:
- For drugs which are being issued solely in anticipation of the onset of an ailment whilst outside the UK, but for which the patient does not require treatment when the medicine is prescribed.
- For drugs issued for the prevention of malaria.
Prescribing Wisely
The North West London Collaboration of Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) is launching two new proposals around medicines prescribing across the eight boroughs in North West London.
You can find more information here:
Prescription Fees
Help with NHS costs
In England, around 90% of prescription items are dispensed free of charge. You may be entitled to free prescriptions if you fall under one of the following exemption categories:
- Age Exemption: People under 16, aged 16-18 and in full-time education, or over 60.
- Income-based Benefits: If you receive certain benefits such as Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, or Universal Credit (under specific conditions).
- NHS Low Income Scheme (LIS): Individuals who qualify for full help (HC2 certificate) or partial help (HC3 certificate) with health costs.
- Medical Exemptions: Those with specific medical conditions, such as diabetes or cancer, can qualify for a medical exemption certificate (MedEx), which entitles you to free prescriptions.
- Pregnancy and Postnatal: If you are pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months and hold a valid maternity exemption certificate.
For more detailed information, visit NHS Choices.
NHS Charges
These charges apply in England only. In Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales prescriptions are free of charge.
-
£9.90 (per item)
A 3-month PPC costs £32.05 and will save you money if you need more than 3 prescribed items in 3 months
A 12-month PPC costs £114.50 and will save you money if you need more than 11 prescribed items in a year
A hormone replacement therapy (HRT) PPC costs £19.80 and will save you money if you need more than 2 prescribed qualifying HRT items in a year
- 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.