Prescriptions

Prescribing Charter

THE CROSSLANDS SURGERY IS WORKING TO INCREASE ONLINE SERVICE UPTAKE AND IMPROVE OUR PRESCRIBING PROCESS.

ONLINE ACCESS ALLOWS YOU TO ORDER PRESCRIPTIONS QUICKLY AND EASILY. PLEASE ASK AT RECEPTION FOR REGISTRATION FOR ONLINE ACCESS.

THE ELECTRONIC PRESCRIBING SERVICE ENABLES THE PRACTICE TO SEND YOUR PRESCRIPTION DIRECT TO ANY PHARMACY OF YOUR CHOICE.

TO REDUCE NHS WASTAGE PLEASE ORDER ONLY THE MEDICATIONS YOU REQUIRE.

Please allow 2 working days for your prescription request to be processed.

Written requests will be accepted using either the printed repeat list on the right hand side of your prescription, a prescription request slip available at reception, or by using the online request form below.

Hospital outpatient prescriptions are designed to be dispensed by the hospital pharmacy.

Hospital or private prescriptions submitted to the practice will be considered on a case by case basis which may take longer than 2 working days.

If you require extra assistance e.g. disability, housebound, please speak to our reception team.

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Ordering Repeat Prescriptions

Repeat prescriptions are medications which appear on your prescription slip which the doctor would like you to continue on a regular basis. Your list can also be found on your online account.

How to Request a Repeat Prescription

Collecting your Prescription

All prescriptions will be sent to your nominated pharmacy. If you do not have one nominated, then it will be ready for collection at reception after 2 working days.

For some/few medications, the prescription (paper copy) must be printed off and taken to the pharmacy in person as some medications cannot be sent through electronically. Please check with reception if this applies to your request.

• NHS prescription charges – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
• Save money with a prescription prepayment certificate (PPC) – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
• Find a pharmacy – NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Questions about your Prescription

If you have questions about your medication, your local pharmacists can answer your questions on prescription and over-the-counter medicines.

You can also contact us at the surgery in two ways.

• Phone reception to speak to our medicines manager or practice pharmacist on 020 8574 1906
• Fill in an online form

Medication Reviews

If you have a repeat prescription, we will ask you to come in for a review depending on the medications you are taking as all medications have individual review requirements. Please make sure you book a routine appointment when we ask you to come in for your review.

You can do this in three ways. 

• Phone us Monday to Friday, from 8am to 6.30pm.
• Visit the surgery and speak with a receptionist, Monday to Friday from 8-6.30pm

Prescription Charges

Find out more about prescription charges on nhs.uk.

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Hospital Prescriptions

Hospital outpatient prescriptions are designed to be dispensed by the hospital pharmacy. Hospital or private prescriptions submitted to the practice will be considered on a case by case basis which may take longer than 2 working days.

About Pharmacists

Pharmacists are experts in medicines who can help you with minor health concerns.

As qualified healthcare professionals, they can offer clinical advice and over-the-counter medicines for a range of minor illnesses, such as coughs, colds, sore throats, tummy trouble and aches and pains.

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.

Disposing of Old Medicines

If your medicine is out of date, unwanted, or some of it is left over after you have stopped taking it, do not put it in your household bin or flush it down the toilet. Instead, take it to your pharmacy to be disposed of safely.

Over-the-counter medicines

Did you know that your local NHS spends £15m a year on prescribing medicines that are available to buy at the pharmacy?

Following national guidance from NHS England, our GPs are asked not to prescribe these medicines (there are some exceptions, see the below link), including for conditions such as coughs, colds, headaches, mouth ulcers, travel sickness and mild toothache.

Your GP will not generally give you a prescription for over-the-counter medicines for a range of minor health concerns. Instead, over-the-counter medicines are available to buy at your local pharmacy.

Vitamin D Prescriptions

There are a few scenarios where Vitamin D levels should be checked. Most of the time it is not needed, and the NHS recommends that everyone should take Vitamin D supplements during the Autumn and Winter.

If your levels are checked and the Doctor prescribes you a high dose of vitamin D for 7 weeks, please make sure you then continue to buy a low dose over-the-counter vitamin D supplement and take it daily (400-1000iu daily dose). These are not prescribed.

Medication without a prescription

There are several medications that are available to buy without a prescription from the pharmacy. These include (but are not limited to):

• Paracetamol
• Ibuprofen (tablets and gels)
• Antihistamines (including fexofenadine)
• Steroid nasal sprays
• Nasal decongestant sprays
• Certain eye drops
• Certain medications to help you sleep for short term use
• Ears drops for ear wax
• Antifungal medication

Please do not be offended if the GP asks you to buy certain medications rather than prescribe them. This is part of an initiative from the governments to reduce the amount of money the NHS spends on prescriptions for treating minor conditions. In some cases, buying these medicines will be cheaper than paying a prescription charge which is £9.90.