Ordering repeat prescriptions
The easiest ways to order repeat prescriptions are:
- using your NHS account (through the NHS website or in the NHS App)
- using the GP online system: Patient Access
- via Accurx
- in writing
- by using the automated telephone recording service
Receptionists will not accept prescription requests.
We prefer that you either use our secure online ordering or use your repeat slip to order your prescription. We recognise that in today’s world, a lot of transactions take place using the telephone, so, unlike a lot of surgeries, we do have a facility to record a prescription request. Please dial the usual surgery number then select option 1 to record a message. You must know exactly what drugs you wish to order, we cannot accept ‘all my drugs’!
It is worth remembering that first thing in the mornings the phone line is particular busy, especially on a Monday, so if a phone request is being made you may find it easier to ring later in the day.
Delivery
We offer a prescription delivery service. Deliveries are made on a Tuesday and Thursday. Ideally you must be at home to receive the prescription. Alternatively, you can request for the delivery driver to leave your prescription in a safe place. Please speak to our dispensary team to arrange this. We are unable to give a delivery time.
If you are a non-dispensing patient, please ensure you let us know your choice of chemist so that we can send your prescription electronically.
Collecting your prescription
You will need to choose a pharmacy to collect your prescription from. We call this nominating a pharmacy.
You can change your nominated pharmacy at any time:
- on the app or website where you order repeat prescriptions
- at any pharmacy that accepts repeat prescriptions
Dispensary
Thorpe-le-Soken is a dispensing practice. This means that we are allowed to dispense medication to patients whose home address is more than 1 mile from a pharmacy. If you are a dispensing patient you can collect medication at the time of seeing the doctor or nurse but you also have the right to take your prescription to a pharmacy of your choice, should you wish to do so.
If you are a dispensing patient and have your medication dispensed at Thorpe Surgery and pay for your prescriptions, please pay with cash. Thorpe surgery does not have a card machine in service.
Drug stocks
We try to keep a stock of our most commonly used medicines at all times and we receive deliveries of further stock on a daily basis. During periods of high demand, or when there are supplier or delivery problems we may occasionally run out of stock, but we are usually able to acquire items within 24 hours.
Questions about your prescription
If you have questions about your medicine, your local pharmacists can answer these. They can also answer questions on medicines you can buy without a prescription.
The NHS website has information on how your medicine works, how and when to take it, possible side effects and answers to your common questions.
If you would like to speak to someone at the GP surgery about your prescription:
- use the Accurx service
- phone us on Thorpe-le-Soken Surgery 01255 861850 or Kirby Cross Branch 01255 861850
Medication reviews
If you have a repeat prescription, we may ask you to come in for a regular review. We will be in touch when you need to come in for a review.
Prescription charges
Find out more about prescription charges.
What to do with old medicines
Take it to the pharmacy you got it from. Do not put it in your household bin or flush it down the toilet.
About pharmacists
As qualified healthcare professionals, pharmacists can offer advice on minor illnesses such as:
- coughs
- colds
- sore throats
- tummy trouble
- aches and pains
They can also advise on medicine that you can buy without a prescription.
Many pharmacies are open until late and at weekends. You do not need an appointment.
Most pharmacies have a private room where you can discuss issues with pharmacy staff.