Prescriptions
To make ordering your repeat medication as easy as possible you can order in any of the following ways:
- Online ordering
- By post
- By Telephone
- In person
Prescription email
You can send your order any day or time via our prescription only email address: scartho.prescriptions@nhs.net
What to remember when it comes to prescription ordering
However, you choose to order your prescription please ensure you give us two working days to process your request and use the information on the counterfoil of your prescription when ordering. This allows us to process a request efficiently and minimise the chance of errors.
Although we require two working days due to the high volume of requests received by the practice each day, you should note that in an emergency we will make every effort to action a request sooner, but you may be asked to call back to check on the progress of the request.
All patients on repeat medication will be asked to have a medication review at least once a year (maybe more depending on the medication), this is to ensure you are taking your medication correctly and it is safe for the doctor to continue to prescribe for you.
When you are called for your review, please contact the practice as soon as possible, failure to follow this instruction may result in delays when it comes to ordering further medication.
Hospital requests for new medication will be processed in the same way as repeat medication (any urgent medication will have been provided by the hospital pharmacy) – the practice requires documented instruction from your hospital consultant before we can order these medications for you.
Collecting your prescription
Electronic Prescription Service (EPS)
If you get regular prescriptions, then EPS may be able to save you time and unnecessary trips to the surgery. EPS makes it possible for prescriptions to be sent electronically to the pharmacy or dispenser of your choice. To nominate a pharmacy, just ask your preferred pharmacist what to do.
Pharmacy Collection
If you do not wish to use the EPS but would like the pharmacy to collect prescriptions on your behalf, contact your own pharmacist directly and they will be able to make the necessary arrangements for you.
Further information about prescriptions
Electronic Repeat Dispensing
You can take your medication ordering one step further and talk to the practice about setting your repeat medications up for electronic repeat dispensing.
This means we will set up an automatic delivery of your normal medications to your pharmacy of choice every month for 6 months – no more contacting the practice to order your medication until the end of that period.
The receptionist will be able to advise you on whether you are a suitable candidate for this service - patients need to be stable on their treatment and there are some medications it is not safe to prescribe in this way.
Over-the-Counter Medicines
Current government guidelines mean your GP may not be able to provide you with prescriptions for certain medicines that are available to buy in a pharmacy or supermarket for minor health concerns.
Healthcare professionals at your local pharmacy can offer help and clinical advice to manage minor health concerns. If your symptoms suggest it's more serious, they'll ensure you get the care you need.
This guidance effects all patients including children, patients exempt from prescription charges and pre-paid prescriptions.
Find out more at NHS Prescription Changes
The guidance applies to the following conditions:
- Acute sore throat
- Conjunctivitis
- Coughs, colds and nasal congestion
- Cradle cap
- Diarrhoea (adults)
- Headlice
- Indigestion & heartburn
- Infant colic
- Infrequent constipation
- Insect bites & stings
- Mild acne
- Mild dry skin
- Mild to moderate hay fever
- Minor pain, discomfort and fever
- Nappy rash
- Oral thrush
- Sun protection
- Teething/mild toothache
- Threadworms
- Warts & verrucae