Health @ TuxfordRepeat Dispensing
If you, or someone you care for, use the same medicines regularly, you may not need to contact your surgery or doctor every time you need more medicine.
What is Electronic Repeat Dispensing?
It is a way of getting your repeat medicines without having to ask your doctor or surgery for a prescription each time.
How does Repeat Dispensing work?
Your doctor will prescribe you a ‘repeatable prescription’ which is sent electronically to your nominated pharmacy.
With these prescriptions you can collect your medicines directly from the pharmacy at regular intervals for up to 12 months without having to contact your doctor or GP surgery.
Your doctor will decide how often you should collect your prescription and how long it will last for.
Moving to Repeat Dispensing – There are four simple steps…
Step One:
Ask the person who prescribes your medication if you can use electronic repeat dispensing. If your prescriber thinks that you could use electronic repeat dispensing for your regular medicines, they will authorise a number of electronic repeat prescriptions (for up to a year).
Step Two:
The next step is to collect the first repeat prescription from your nominated pharmacy. You can choose any pharmacy that dispenses NHS prescriptions as your nomination.
Step Three:
Next time you need more medicines, go back to your pharmacy, where they will be able to supply your next electronic repeat prescription. The pharmacist will only supply the medication you need. Let your pharmacist know if you’re taking any other medicines, or if your medical condition has changed recently.
Step Four:
When your pharmacy supplies your last electronic repeat prescription, they will tell you. You will then have to contact your GP practice to ask for another set of electronic repeat prescriptions.
Frequently Asked Questions…
Do I need to do anything before I start?
You will need to give your consent to use electronic repeat dispensing, to allow your pharmacist and doctor to exchange prescription information. You may also need to sign a consent form although this is not always necessary. All information will be handled in confidence.
How often do I need to go to the pharmacy?
Your doctor and pharmacist will tell you, for example it may be monthly or “as and when you need it” depending on the type of medicine.
Do I have to use the same pharmacy?
Your repeat dispensing prescription will automatically go to your nominated pharmacy. If you need to change your usual pharmacy you can do this in any pharmacy offering NHS services. Future issues of your prescription will then go to the latest pharmacy nomination you have set.
Do I have to get all the items on my prescription?
No. If you still have plenty of one type of medication at home, tell the pharmacist.
Do I need to tell the pharmacist anything?
Yes, for example if there has been a change in your condition , if you are taking other medicines (to check it is safe to take these) or if you are experiencing any side-effects.
The pharmacist will ask you some questions about this each time you pick up your medicines.
Will I still have to pay for my prescriptions?
Yes, if you are paying at the moment. A prescription pre-payment certificate (PPC) could save you money. Ask your pharmacist or call 0300 330 1341 for more information.
What do I do when my final prescriptions has been dispensed?
You will need to speak with your doctor before your final supply of medicine runs out and have your medicines reviewed. (We normally review patients in their month of birth – so for example, if you are born in August your medication review will be in August)
If your doctor is happy that your condition is still stable and your medicines do not need to changed, you will be given another repeatable Prescription.