Repeat Prescriptions

Repeat prescriptions will normally take 3 working days from the time of the request. We recommend that you request repeat prescriptions via the NHS App or Patient Access. Other health apps are available. For more information on how to download and use the NHS App, please use this link: Getting started with the NHS App

You can also attend the practice and put a request in writing and leave it in the repeat prescription box which is on the wall in the small lobby at the front door of the practice.

Please note that from 1st January 2025 we will no longer be accepting repeat prescription requests via email from patients. Patients should be using the NHS App or other online healthcare app for reasons of clinical safety.

If you have not been seen by the doctor for some time, you may be asked to speak with a Clinician for a review of your medication.

The practice also offers electronic prescriptions. The Electronic Prescription Service enables your prescriber - such as your NHS doctor or practice nurse - to send electronic prescriptions to a dispensing chemist, such as a pharmacy, of your choice.

This makes the prescribing and dispensing process more efficient and convenient for you, the patient, and for practice staff.

For more information: www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/prescriptions-and-pharmacies/electronic-prescriptions

Collect your repeat prescription from your chosen pharmacy

If you usually collect your repeat prescriptions from your doctor you will not have to visit your doctors' surgery to pick up your paper prescription, saving you time.

You will have more choice about where to get your medicines from because they can be collected from a pharmacy near to where you live, work or shop. You may not have to wait as long at the pharmacy as your repeat prescription could be prepared before you arrive.

To sign up for the Electronic Prescription Service simply ask at the practice or your chosen pharmacy.

For more information: www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/prescriptions-and-pharmacies/electronic-prescriptions

Find a Pharmacy

Find a pharmacy near to you

Pharmacy First Plus

We also offers a scheme called Pharmacy First Plus for the treatment of a range of minor ailments that don't require you to see a Doctor or Nurse. Your local pharmacist can offer advice and also prescribe treatments which you can get for free if you are entitled to free prescriptions.

The Pharmacy First Plus scheme covers advice and treatment for the conditions below and gives you a fixed appointment at a time and location to suit your needs. Please ask us if you wish to use this service and we can assist.

Allergies
Athlete’s foot
Blocked/runny nose
Cold & Flu
Cold sores
Conjunctivitis
Constipation
Coughs and colds
Diarrhoea
Dry/sore eyes
Earwax
Fever
Hay fever
Headache

Head lice
Idigestion
Insect bites and stings
Itching due to chickenpox
Minor burns and scalds
Mouth ulcers
Nappy rash
Piles
Sore throat
Sprains and strains
Teething
Threadworm
Vaginal thrush

The Pharmacy First Plus Scheme can now supply prescription-only treatment, if they believe you need it, for the following conditions:

Sinusitis (for patients aged 12 years and over only)
Sore throat (aged 5+)
Earache (aged 1 year-17)
Infected insect bite (aged 1 year+)
Impetigo (aged 18 years+)
Shingles (aged 18 years+)
Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (women aged 16 to 64)

For more information please see: Southwark Pharmacy First Plus Scheme

Over the counter medicines

In line with NHS England recommendations your GP, nurse or surgery pharmacist will no longer prescribe medicines which can be bought over-the-counter. These changes are because:

We want to help you learn to treat your common illnesses at home
This helps to free up your GPs’ and nurses’ time to see and treat you and others when you have more complicated illnesses
It means we get the best possible value for all Southwark patients from the funding we receive.
The NHS has been spending around £136 million a year on prescriptions for medicines that can be bought from a pharmacy or supermarket, such as paracetamol. By reducing the amount the NHS spends on over the counter medicines, we can give priority to treatments for people with more serious conditions, such as cancer, diabetes and mental health problems.

In the future you can visit your local pharmacy without the need to come into the surgery first. The pharmacist can give you advice on suitable treatment for common illnesses. The pharmacist will check the medicine is right for you and for your health problem and will advise you if you need to see a GP or nurse.

Prescribing Policy For Patients Travelling Abroad

This policy outlines the procedure for patients travelling abroad for short and long periods of time.

NHS Policy

By law, the NHS ceases to have responsibility for the medical care of patients when they leave the UK. In addition GPs are not required by their terms of service to provide prescriptions for the treatment of a condition that is not present and may arise while the patient is abroad.

The NHS does accept responsibility for supplying ongoing medication for temporary periods abroad of up to 3 months. However, if a person is going to be abroad for more than 3 months, then they are only entitled (at NHS expense) to a sufficient supply of regular medication in order to get to their destination, where they should the find an alternative supply of that medication.

Patients residing abroad for a period of more than 3 months should be removed from the registered patient list.

Blackfriars Medical Practice Surgery Policy

Travelling out of the country for less than 3 months

For patients who inform us they will be out of the country for less than 3 months, we will provide sufficient medicines for an existing condition (e.g. asthma, diabetes…) for the period while the patient is away where it is safe to do so. Drugs that require frequent monitoring may not be prescribed where there are safety concerns. 1 months supply only will be issued for drugs normally available over the counter, such as paracetamol.

Travelling out of the country for more than 3 months

Patients who inform us they will be leaving the country for more than 3 months will be prescribed sufficient medication to enable them to make alternative arrangements at their destination (up to 3 months supply where safe to do so).

They will also be removed from our patient list. We will be pleased to re-register patients on their return to residence in the UK and can reassure patient that their electronic notes are kept on file for reference on your return.

Patients and relatives should not seek medication for themselves while they are abroad as this constitutes NHS fraud.

Prescriptions for medicines in case of illness while abroad.

GPs will only prescribe NHS prescriptions in this case for exacerbations of pre-existing illnesses; e.g. antibiotics for patients who have frequent infections secondary to an underlying lung condition.

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.

NHS charges

These charges apply in England only. In Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales prescriptions are free of charge.

Details of the current charges

If you will have to pay for four or more prescription items in three months, or more than 14 items in 12 months, you may find it cheaper to buy a pre payment certificate.