Repeat Prescriptions

Should you need to take medicines on a regular basis, your doctor will give you a repeat prescription form. On the form you will find your name, your address, your computer number and the lists of medicines you take regularly. Only medicines on the form can be issued without seeing a doctor.

Repeat prescriptions may be requested by:

• Calling into the surgery and leaving your form at the dispensary. Please tick only the medicines that are needed.
• Sending your form by post with a stamped, self-addressed envelope. The prescription will be posted to you within 48 hours. 
• Calling the dedicated telephone number for your surgery, with the details of the required medication and your NHS number (it is found at the top right hand corner of your repeat prescription form).
• By following the link on this page to the online form. Registration at the surgery is required for this service.

Please allow 48 hours (two working days) for repeat prescriptions to be processed and signed before collecting. It helps if you order your prescription a week before you run out of medication.

Prescription costs

Prescription prepayment certificates (PPC) are available in England and they can save you money.

Prescription costs as of April 1 2011

PPCs are available by 10 monthly direct debit instalment payments. The prescription prepayment certificates allow anyone to obtain all the prescriptions they need for £2 per week.

Free Prescriptions

You can get free NHS prescriptions if, at the time the prescription is dispensed, you:

• are 60 or over
• are under 16
• are 16-18 and in full-time education
• are pregnant or have had a baby in the previous 12 months and have a valid maternity exemption certificate (MatEx)  
• have a specified medical condition and have a valid medical exemption certificate (MedEx)
• have a continuing physical disability that prevents you from going out without help from another person and have a valid MedEx
• hold a valid war pension exemption certificate and the prescription is for your accepted disability
• are an NHS inpatient

You are also entitled to free prescriptions if you or your partner (including civil partners) are named on, or are entitled to, an NHS tax credit exemption certificate or a valid HC2 certificate (full help with health costs), or you receive either:

• Income Support
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, or  
• Pension Credit Guarantee Credit 

For more information surrounding prescription charges click here.

Dispensing

We are only permitted to dispense for patients living more than one mile from the nearest pharmacy or those patients staying in the area temporarily. Please allow 48 hours before collection of your medicines. If applicable, proof of exemption from prescription charges will be needed if you are aged between 16 and 60.

If you are housebound or unable to reach the surgery and live in the Easington area, medication can be sent to the Post Office on Seaside Road. Please give the dispenser your NHS number and medication that is needed. Posted medication will need to be collected from the Post Office at Seaside Road if you live at Easington.

Should you pay prescription fees we expect payment of the fees prior to dispatching the medication.

Insulin, controlled drugs and injectable medication cannot be posted.

Mr Williets is our practice pharmacist and can provide expert advice on your medication. He is available by appointment for your annual medication review. If you have a query with your medication Dispensary can organise for Mr. Williets to contact you rather than booking an appointment to see your GP.

On occasions a medication you are on might be altered by recommendation from the PCT. This is usually when there are equally effective but cheaper alternatives available. If you receive information from the practice about such a change Mr Williets will be available to discuss the changes with you.