Repeat prescriptions will normally take 48 hours from the time of the request. They can be requested via the right hand side list provided within a prescription or you can request online via the NHS App or Patient Access. Other apps are available and the link on the left hand side explains more about Patient Access. For more information on how to download and use the NHS App, please click on this link: Getting started with the NHS App
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.
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.
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.