WE CAN NOT ACCEPT REPEAT PRESCRIPTION REQUESTS OVER THE PHONE

The easiest ways to order repeat prescriptions are:

• using your NHS account (through the NHS website or in the NHS App)
• online using SystmOnline via the link at the top of this page having first registered as a user of Internet Access. Please note that you will only be able to use this system to request items included on the repeats list on your previous prescription.

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

You can also:

• fill out a repeat prescriptions request form
• bring the paper form to the surgery - see our opening times here

We do not take repeat prescription requests over the telephone.

Please allow seven days for repeat prescriptions to be processed and remember to take weekends and bank holidays into account.

Your Medication Review: What You Need to Know 

Why do I need a review? 

Every year, we check the medicines you take regularly. We do this to make sure they are still safe for you and are working correctly. 

• Safety first: Some medicines need a yearly blood test or a blood pressure check to make sure they aren’t causing any side effects. 

• Special medicines: Certain strong medications (like controlled drugs) need extra checks to keep you safe. 

• Expert help: You might need a quick chat over the phone or in person with one of our pharmacists or nurses to see how you are getting on. 

How will I know my review is due? 

• Paper Slips: If you have a paper request slip, look for the date next to your medicine. 

• Online/Apps: If your review is due, the app might not let you order your medicine, or you might see a message saying a "review is due." 

• Note: You can usually only order medicine 7 days before you run out. If you try earlier than that, it might not show up. 

How will the surgery contact me? 

If we have your mobile number or email, we will send you a link to book your tests or appointments. If you don't use a computer or smartphone, don't worry—we will send you a letter in the post. 

What happens if I miss my review? 

We want to make sure you don't run out of medicine, but we must be safe. 

• We will send you three reminders. 

• If we don’t hear back after the third reminder, we will have to give you a smaller supply (for example, 14 days instead of 28 days) until you book your appointment. 

• Please reply quickly so we can keep your prescriptions running smoothly. 

Does everyone need an appointment? 

Not always. Sometimes our pharmacy team can do the review by looking at your recent test results from the hospital or the GP. If they have everything they need, they will pass the review without needing to speak to you. 

What if I have questions? 

• Going away? If you are going on holiday or having an operation, let us know and we can move your review date. 

• Need help booking? If you struggle with the online links, our reception team can book the appointment for you. 

• General questions? Our prescription team is happy to help with any questions about your medicine supply. 

Contact us: (01249 812141, option 3 between 11am – 2pm)] or  bswicb.northlandscalne@nhs.net

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 

Why can't I see my medicine on the app? You can usually only order 7 days before you run out. If it’s still not showing, your review might be due. Check for a message in the app or call us to check. 

Do I always have to come into the surgery? No. Many reviews are done over the phone. Sometimes, if your recent hospital tests are clear, the pharmacist can complete the review without needing to speak to you at all. 

What happens if I miss the reminders? To keep you safe, we cannot give large amounts of medicine without a review. If you miss 3 reminders, your supply will be lowered to 14 days (and then 7 days) until you book an appointment. 

Is my blood test/healthcheck my review?

Your appointment for your blood tests and up to date readings such as blood pressure form part of the review, once we have all the results our Pharmacists will then look at all the information and update you.

Who will I speak to? You will usually speak to a Clinical Pharmacist or a Specialist Nurse. They are experts in medicines and work closely with your GP. 

I’m struggling to book online. What should I do? Don't worry! Just call our reception team. They can book your blood tests, nurse appointments, or pharmacist chats over the phone. 

📝 My Medication Review Checklist 

Use this to make sure you are ready for your next prescription: 

• [ ] Check my repeat slip: Do I see a "review due" date next to my medicines? 

• [ ] Check my phone/emails: Have I received a booking link from the surgery? 

• [ ] Book my tests: If I need a blood test or blood pressure check, have I booked it? 

• [ ] Update my details: Does the surgery have my correct mobile number? 

• [ ] Plan ahead: Am I going on holiday soon? If so, I should call the surgery to skip the rush. 

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.

• Go to Medicines A to Z (nhs.uk)

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

• phone our Clinical Pharmacy team between 11am - 2pm, option 3

Prescription charges

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

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.

• Find a pharmacy (nhs.uk)

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.

Thank you for your letter requesting a referral via the Right to Choose pathway.

Please be aware that if you choose a private provider and they request a Shared Care Agreement
(SCA) with your GP for a medication available on the NHS, then part of the SCA will
involve the patient continuing follow up with the private provider.

Follow up after the initial assessment and stabilisation on medication may be at the patient's expense.

I feel duty bound to point this out as follow up is obligatory to continue providing further
prescriptions on the NHS and we have had patients unwittingly fall into this arrangement,
unaware that the private provider may charge for ongoing review.

Please find our SCA policy with private providers SCA Northlands policy.pdf