Due to the current circumstances and pressures on the NHS, NHS England has advised us change the way you currently order your regular medication. For some patients we will issue a repeat dispensing prescription which will have a number of prescription issues on it e.g. a minimum of 3 months of medication to be collected monthly. This “batch” of prescriptions will be sent electronically to your existing nominated pharmacy. This means that you simply collect your regular medication from your usual pharmacy each month without actually having to order it each month.

We are sending most prescriptions electronically to pharmacies. This is “electronic dispensing” and removes the need to come to the practice to collect an authorised printed prescription. To enable electronic dispensing you need to have a nominated pharmacy and we will set this with you. Your regular medication will then be available at that pharmacy.

When your pharmacy supplies your last electronic repeat prescription, they will inform you. You will then have to contact your GP practice to ask for another set of electronic repeat prescriptions. You may need to be seen for a review before another batch of electronic repeat dispensing prescription is authorised.

It is important to let your pharmacist know if you are taking any other medicines or if your medical condition changes. If you have any questions about your medicines, ask at the pharmacy, they will be happy to help you.

If you consent to this, you do not need to do anything as the practice has set this up for you using your current preferred pharmacy, however if you feel this is not suitable or you have any concerns or questions regarding this change please contact us as soon as possible.

STEP BY STEP GUIDE TO HOW TO OBTAIN YOUR MEDICATION USING ELECTRONIC REPEAT DISPENSING (eRD) PRESCRIBING SYSTEM

 STEP 1

If you have received a text from the practice stating your prescription has been moved to this method of ordering you do not need to do anything and can go to STEP 2.

For patients who wish to move to eRD:

Talk to us about moving to Electronic Repeat Dispensing (eRD). If we agree you are eligible, your permission will be requested to share information about your treatment with your nominated pharmacy (any pharmacy which dispenses NHS medication). This enables your pharmacist to communicate to us about your treatment and the ability to provide you with tailored advice. We will then authorise a number of eRD prescriptions (to cover a determined number of months). The duration will be based on your circumstances and clinical need.

STEP 2

Request and collect your first eRD prescription from your chosen pharmacy.  

STEP 3

When you need your next month’s prescription, contact your pharmacy / go back to your pharmacy to request and collect.

Your pharmacy will ask you the following questions prior to issuing you your medications:

• Have you seen any health professionals (GP, nurse or hospital doctor), since your last repeat prescription was supplied and has your health conditions changed?
• Have you recently started taking any new medicines – either on prescription or that you have bought over the counter?
• Have you been having any problems with your medication or experiencing any side effects?
• Are there any items on your repeat prescription that you don’t need this month?

Please inform the pharmacy of only the medications you need, so they can issue what you require. This will aid waste reduction and save NHS resources.

If you have any questions about your medicines, just ask at the pharmacy; they’ll be happy to help you.

STEP 4

When your pharmacy supplies your last prescription, they will advise you to contact your us to arrange for your medication to be reviewed and if it is clinically appropriate to issue another eRD prescription.

Should you have any other questions or concerns regarding this process please contact us or your pharmacy.

Should you have any questions or concerns please contact us.

We run a computerised system to issue repeat prescriptions which have already been agreed with your doctor.

Methods for ordering your prescriptions are:

• Online - Via the link at the top of this page. First time users are required to complete a simple one-off registration.
• In Person - Return the counterfoil of the prescription document clearly marking with a tick the medication you require to reception. A box is provided in reception to enable you to deliver your prescription without having to wait.
• By Post - Post the counterfoil of the prescription document clearly marking with a tick the medication you require to the surgery, enclosing a stamped self-addressed envelope. If posting please remember to give at least one weeks notice for a first class stamp and longer if using second class.
• Chemist - You can also ask for your prescription to be collected by a local chemist. Please check at reception which chemists offer this service. Unfortunately we cannot accept responsibility for prescriptions lost in the post or by the chemist.

Unfortunately we do not accept requests by telephone.

Prescriptions will be ready for collection in three working days if you will be picking the prescription up from the surgery. Please remember to take weekends and bank holidays into account. 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.

There are several pharmacies in Welwyn Garden City (see bottom of this page). The pharmacies will pick up your written prescription from the health centre. If you wish to use this service please state which pharmacy you wish to use on your prescription request. Please note this may result in a delay in you getting your medication.

Patients on repeat medication will be asked to see a doctor, nurse practitioner or practice nurse at least once a year to review these regular medications and notification should appear on your repeat slip. Please ensure that you book an appropriate appointment to avoid unnecessary delays to further prescriptions. 

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