PRESCRIPTION REQUESTS – POLICY CHANGE

During the Covid-19 pandemic we have allowed all patients to request their prescriptions over the phone between the hours of 10:00 and 12:00.

 From Monday 20^th February 2023 we will no longer accept any prescription requests over the phone (at any time). This is a change we feel is necessary to ensure safe prescribing for our patients.

 Prescriptions should be requested via online services wherever possible (usually via SystmOnline or the NHS App). You are also able to hand in your prescription request at the surgery using the letterbox to the right of our front door.

 Requests are also accepted via email at NNICB-NN.OaksMedicalCentre@nhs.net

 Please ensure all requests include your name and date of birth.

 Our prescription turnaround time will not change – we will continue to offer a ‘next day after 3PM’ service. (Please allow additional time for the pharmacy to prepare your prescription)

 If you would like access to online services via SystmOnline please click here to complete this form and return it to the surgery with a form of photo ID (i.e. Driving licence, passport).

Patient led prescription ordering - 
Putting patients in control of their repeat prescriptions 

We, along with many GP surgeries across Nottinghamshire, no longer accept repeat prescription requests from pharmacies for most patients. Our Doctors are asking patients to order their own medicines using one of the following options.

Online ordering via SystmOnline or the NHS App
            Ask at reception for an application form for our online system, or you can sign up directly with the NHS App

Drop off 
            Drop off your repeat prescription directly—just post it in the postbox to the right of our front doors 

Post 
            Post your repeat prescription request to The Oaks Medical Centre at the above address

We will not be accept prescription requests via the pharmacy from patients without prior agreement. 

Repeat Prescriptions

You can now request your repeat prescription online. Please see reception to register for online services or sign up for the NHS App.

If you need to continue taking regular medicines, then your doctor may give you a computer repeat slip. Tick the box for the drug you require and put it in the letterbox to the right of our front door.  

Prescriptions will be ready for collection the next working day after 3pm. To provide this level of service, we rely on you using the system responsibly and not asking for your prescriptions sooner.

If you include a stamped addressed envelope then we will post it back to you. If you are signed up to the Electronic Prescription Service, you can collect your prescription direct from your nominated pharmacy without collecting it from the surgery. Please note these prescriptions will be with the pharmacy by 3pm the next working day but the pharmacy will need time to prepare your medication. 

Please note we do not routinely take repeat prescription requests over the phone. With several thousand drugs and over 60,000 repeat prescriptions per year, this could lead to dangerous errors and prevent us running an efficient service for those who use it properly.

Prescriptions Charges and Exemptions

Extensive exemption and remission arrangements protect those likely to have difficulty in paying charges (NHS prescription and dental charges, optical and hospital travel costs).

The NHS prescription charge is a flat-rate amount which successive Governments have thought it reasonable to charge for those who can afford to pay for their medicines.  Prescription prepayment certificates (PPCs) offer real savings for people who need extensive medication.

Medication Reviews

Patients on certain repeat medications will be asked to see a Doctor, Clinical Pharmacist, Practice Nurse or other Clinician 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.

Hospital Prescriptions 

We do not convert hospital prescriptions. Patients should return to the hospital pharmacy for their medicines. We will pick up appropriate prescribing of drugs once we have received a detailed clinic letter from the specialist containing treatment plan and guidance.

In the case of 'Red Drugs' (according to the Nottingham APC guidance) prescribing will need to be maintained at consultant level. 

Private Prescriptions 

We do not convert private prescriptions to NHS prescriptions until they have been established in their effectiveness over 3 months of treatment and we have received a letter from the initiating consultant detailing a treatment plan. Even then some may not be converted due to prescribing restrictions within the Nottingham area prescribing committee guidance (APC traffic lights system) and may need to be run past an advisor.

Please see the Practice for our full policy on Hospital and Private Prescriptions