Repeat Prescriptions
Repeat prescriptions will normally take 3 working days (72 hours) 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: The NHS App & your NHS Account
Repeats are NOT automatically issued and should be submitted using the repeat request form attached to your repeat prescription. Repeats can be collected during surgery hours.
We also take repeat requests by email but not over the telephone due to the number involved and the high risk of mistakes occurring and for reasons of clinical safety. In all cases, each individual item requested should be listed to avoid confusion.
Prescription collection services are available from some pharmacies.
Please allow 72 hours, excluding weekends and Bank Holidays, for your request to be processed. Any problems please telephone the surgery.
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.
Find a Pharmacy
Find a pharmacy near to you
Pharmacy First Scheme
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: Pharmacy First Consultations in Barking | My Local Surgery
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.
Abbey Medical Centre 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.
The quickest way to order a PPC is online - Buy or Renew a PPC Online
If you need help buying a PPC, call us on 0300 330 1341
There is further information about prescription exemptions and fees on the NHS website
Medication Reviews
Patients on repeat medication will be asked to see a doctor, nurse practitioner or practice nurse at least once a year to review these regular medications and notification should appear on your repeat slip.
Please ensure that you book an appropriate appointment to avoid unnecessary delays to further prescriptions.
The NHS App is a simple and secure way to access a range of NHS services on your smartphone or tablet. Your NHS is at your fingertips. Find out more at www.nhs.uk/nhsapp
