Prescriptions

Ordering repeat prescriptions

The easiest ways to order repeat prescriptions are:

  • using your NHS account (through the NHS website or in the NHS App)
  • using the GP online system: SystmOnline

You can apply for Online Access using the form below. Please read through the full form carefully.

Application for Online Access to GP Services

Before you apply for online access to your medical record, there are some other things to consider.

Although the chances of any of these things happening are very small, you are asked that you have read and understood the following before you are given login details.

Things to consider

Forgotten history
  • There may be something you have forgotten about in your record that you might find upsetting
  • Abnormal results or bad news
  • If your GP has given you access to test results or letters, you may see something that you find upsetting. This may occur before you have spoken to your doctor or while the surgery is closed, and you cannot contact them.
  • Choosing to share your information with someone
  • It’s up to you whether or not you share your information with others – perhaps family members or carers. It’s your choice, but also your responsibility to keep the information safe and secure.
  • Coercion
  • If you think you may be pressured into revealing details from your patient record to someone else against your will, it is best that you do not register for access at this time.
  • Misunderstood information
  • Your medical record is designed to be used by clinical professionals to ensure that you receive the best possible care. Some of the information within your medical record may be highly technical, written by specialists and not easily understood. If you require further clarification, please contact the surgery for a clearer explanation.
  • Information about someone else
  • If you spot something in the record that is not about you or notice any other errors, please log out of the system immediately and contact the practice as soon as possible.
  • More information

    For more information about keeping your healthcare records safe and secure, we recommend that you read Protecting your GP Online Records and this helpful leaflet produced by the NHS in conjunction with the British Computer Society:

    Keeping your online health and social care records safe and secure

    Name
    Date of Birth
    Address
    Email

    I understand that my email address and/or mobile number may be used by the practice to contact you to provide health and care services. For example:-

  • • appointment reminders
  • • health campaign messages
  • • messages relating to your own health and care e.g. test results
  • • surveys about our services
  • If you consent to be contacted by either of the following please tick:
    I wish to have access to the following online services (please tick all that apply):
    I wish to access my online services and understand and agree with each statement (tick)
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      Date

      These accounts show you all your repeat medicine and dosage and you can choose the ones you need.

      You can also order repeat prescriptions in a number of ways:

      • By Hand – drop your repeat slip in at reception with the required items clearly marked. If the surgery is closed use the letter box to the right of the main door – bring the paper form to the surgery, Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 6.00pm
      • By Telephone – 0191 2362366
      • By Email – [email protected] 
      • Using the Online Prescription service – SystmOnline

             Please note telephone calls may be recorded

      Collecting your prescription

      We aim to complete all standard (within authorisation) repeat prescription requests within 2 working days, depending on when it is ordered. (Many are done the same day)

      Please try to order 5-7 days before you run out, this way you will not be inconvenienced if there are any unexpected delays.

      You will need to choose a pharmacy to collect your prescription from. We call this nominating a pharmacy.

      You can change your nominated pharmacy at any time:

      • On the app or website where you order repeat prescriptions
      • At your GP practice
      • At any pharmacy that accepts repeat prescriptions

      Questions about your prescription

      If you have questions about your medicine, your local pharmacists can answer these. They can also answer questions on medicines you can buy without a prescription.

      The NHS website has information on how your medicine works, how and when to take it, possible side effects and answers to your common questions.

      If you would like to speak to someone at the GP surgery about your prescription:

      1. Phone our pharmacist after 8:30am on 0191 236 2366; or
      2. Complete an eConsult

      Medication reviews

      A GP will review your records when your medication review date has past. You may be asked to come in and have a medication review at this time, but this is often not required if you maintain your appointments for your health reviews in the practice.

      Please note that medication issues may be declined if you have failed to attend review appointments. This is for your own safety

      Prescription charges

      Find out more about prescription charges (nhs.uk).

      What to do with old medicines

      Take it to the pharmacy you got it from or bring it in to the surgery. Do not put it in your household bin or flush it down the toilet.

      About pharmacists

      As qualified healthcare professionals, pharmacists can offer advice on minor illnesses such as:

      • coughs
      • colds
      • sore throats
      • tummy trouble
      • aches and pains

      They can also advise on medicine that you can buy without a prescription.

      Many pharmacies are open until late and at weekends. You do not need an appointment.

      Most pharmacies have a private consultation room where you can discuss issues with pharmacy staff without being overheard.

      How to obtain urgent medication

      If you run out of your medicines during normal opening hours, please contact the Health Centre and we will endeavor to have your prescription ready that day.

      Patients will generally need to collect the paper prescription from the Health Centre, in cases of housebound patients we will endeavor to fax the prescription to the chemist for delivery.

      If you run out of your medicines outside normal opening hours and need some urgently, there are a few ways to get an emergency supply quickly, including if you’re away from home.

      If you already have a prescription and urgently need the medicines, try the following steps:

      If your local pharmacy is closed, use the link to find other nearby pharmacies and their opening hours. Some are open until midnight or later, even on public holidays.

      http://www.nhs.uk/Service-Search/Pharmacy/LocationSearch/10  

      If you would prefer to speak to someone first, call NHS 111, they will also be able to look up an out-of-hours pharmacy or service in your area for you.