Does a Pharmacy Order Your Prescription?
Please Read About the Changes in the Repeat Prescription Ordering Service
The way repeat prescriptions are ordered is changing. From 1st April 2024 all patients (who are able to do so) should order their own medication directly from the GP practice – instead of your local pharmacy doing this for you.
Why is This Changing?
Ordering your own prescriptions puts you in control. By only ordering the medicines you need, you can help to reduce waste and save money that can be spent on other NHS services. Plus, it’s quicker and easier to sort out any problems or get an answer to any queries because you’re dealing directly with your GP practice. Ordering medicines is even easier through the NHS App, where you can track your requests as well.
What Happens Next?
From the 1st April 2024, it is your responsibility to order your prescriptions at least 2 working days before they are due. It is best to order your repeat prescription 7 days in advance, don’t wait until you’re just about to run out! It can take time for your request to be approved by your GP practice – especially during busy periods.
This can be done by:
- NHS App or Patient Access, where you can order and track your requests.
- Visiting www.westpoint-gp.nhs.uk
- Emailing [email protected] with your name, date of birth and medications that you require.
- Writing your name, date of birth and the medications that you require on a piece of paper (or using the white slip in the right-hand side of your prescription) and dropping it off in the box at reception.
- Telephone – requested from patients only over the age of 65 and house bound patients will be accepted by reception.
We know that some patients may struggle to order their own repeat prescriptions. We will continue to work with local pharmacies and carers to find an approach that best meets your needs.
If there are special circ*mstances that prevent you from ordering your prescription using the methods above, please call us to discuss the alternatives with the Prescription administrator between the hours of 1.00pm – 3.00pm.
Please note that there has been no change to the prescription collection and delivery service offered by pharmacies. They can still collect and dispense prescriptions once that have been issued by us.
The NHS App
Ordering online is the safest and easiest way to order your regular medicines and you can do this via the NHS App (or another online platform such as the Patient Access App).
The NHS App also allows you to order repeat prescriptions quickly and easily online, as well as access a range of NHS services such as booking and managing appointments, viewing your GP health record and finding your NHS number.
The NHS App can be downloaded for free to your mobile phone via the Apple App Store or Google Play. You can find out more about the app at www.nhs.uk/nhs-app. Alternatively, you can set up an NHS account and log in at www.nhs.uk/nhs-app/account if you do not have a smartphone, or would prefer not to download an app.
If you do not wish to order online, you can still request your prescriptions as described above.
West Point Medical Centre
