Repeat Prescriptions

Repeat prescriptions should generally only be issued for patients with stabilised chronic conditions. Repeat prescriptions are not appropriate for acute conditions. The principles of the repeat prescribing system will be explained to a patient when repeat medication is first issued.

All prescriptions must be authorized by the Doctor and signed by a Doctor who has direct access to the patient’s medical records. Please allow up to 48 hours for your repeat prescription request to be processed, this normally should be back with you within 24 hours of the request.

We aim to improve the safety of our repeat prescription service by ensuring that we review patient’s medication with them. This provides an opportunity to discuss any questions that they may have about their treatment. Repeat prescriptions carry a ‘Review Date’. Receptionists will notify you about the review date, or in the meantime if you see the Doctor/Nurse you can also be notified by them.

Please make a note of this date when you receive your prescription. With the last issue, patients they must contact their Doctor to discuss their medication. We may be able to issue you a further prescription after your last repeat, but that will be for a month supply only and no further prescriptions will be issued if we haven’t heard from you. (Please note: If the review date has been exceeded, the prescription will NOT be issued by the receptionist. You will need to book an appointment to see the doctor.

Please note: that only Doctors are allowed to authorise further prescriptions.

If you consult the Doctor/Practice Nurse for another reason, it would be helpful to remind them if your medicines need reviewing shortly.

Patients on repeat medication should be reviewed by the GP or Practice Nurse a minimum of a least once every 6-12 months. However opportunistic reviews should also be carried out where appropriate. This gives the Doctor a chance to review the continuing need for the patient’s medication and discontinue any unnecessary treatments.

The British Thoracic Society has published specific guidelines for reviewing asthmatic Patients stating three months and the National Service framework for older people the guidelines for reviewing patients over 75, sating 6 months.