Dispensing Services

Both Practices have an on-site dispensary providing services for the majority of patients. As a dispensary we can only provide medications prescribed by our Practice and we do not sell any over the counter medications. 

To qualify for the dispensing services you must be registered with the Practice and live more than 1 mile from the closest pharmacy (as the crow flies).

Usually be supplied on the day or the next working day once the prescription is handed in at reception. 

Can be requested by either dropping the request slip into our box (placed by the entrance door), in person at reception or use our by using online services such as the NHS App (You will need to register for this facility with the practice.) Your prescription will be available for you to pick up in THREE WORKING DAYS.

Order repeat medications here.

Do you have any unwanted medicines at home? If so, please return them to the dispensary where we will dispose of them safely for you. 

Some medications we can only dispose of if we have supplied them for you. Please speak to reception who can advise you on this. 

Unfortunately we are unable to dispose of used sharps boxes at the practice. 

Please follow the link below for information on where you can return your used sharps box to.

Diabetic sharps disposal | Clinical waste disposal | Medway Council

Please remember that there is a charge for prescriptions if you do not have exemption rights. If you have an appointment and you think you will require medication, please remember to bring some form of payment with you. Staff must check the exemption cards on each occasion whilst that medication is collected from the dispensary.

We offer a monitored dosage system to eligible patients that can help with keeping track of what to take and when to take it. If you think this may be of benefit to you, please enquire at reception. 

What is a monitored dosage system?

A monitored dosing system is a method of dispensing your medication so we can help you keep track of what and when you need to take it. You will receive your medication in a special tray.

This tray has several compartments that are very easy to open and mark the days of the week and times of the day.

Our dispenser's will fill this tray with the medicine that you need to take in the relevant order. This means that you don’t have to deal with a lot of pillboxes and you don't have to push the tablets out of the usually hard-to-open blister packs.

Who could benefit from it?

• Patients who take large amounts of various medications.
• Patients who have difficulty remembering what and when to take it.
• Patients with limited hand use, for example, patients with arthritis, Parkinson’s or MS
• Patients with complex medication regimens have to take different medications on different days.
• Patients with partial vision.

If you are unable to collect your medications from the Practice's on site dispenary you can ask for your prescription to be sent electronically to the place you choose to get your medicines or appliances from.

What does this mean for you?

You will not have to visit your GP practice to pick up your paper prescription. Instead, your GP will send it electronically to the place you choose, 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 there will be time for your repeat prescriptions to be ready before you arrive.

Is this service right for you?

Yes, if you have a stable condition and you:

• don’t want to go to your GP practice every time to collect your repeat prescription.
• collect your medicines from the same place most of the time or use a prescription collection service now.

It may not be if you:

• don’t get prescriptions very often.
• pick up your medicines from different places.

How can you use EPS?

You need to choose a place for your GP practice to electronically send your prescription to. This is called nomination. You can choose:

• a pharmacy.
• a dispensing appliance contractor (if you use one).

Ask any pharmacy or dispensing appliance contractor that offers EPS or your GP practice to add your nomination for you. You don’t need a computer to do this.

Can I change my nomination or cancel it and get a paper prescription?

Yes you can. If you don’t want your prescription to be sent electronically tell your GP. If you want to change or cancel your nomination speak to any pharmacist or dispensing appliance contractor that offers EPS, or your GP practice. Tell them before your next prescription is due or your prescription may be sent to the wrong place.

Is EPS reliable, secure and confidential?

Yes. Your electronic prescription will be seen by the same people in GP practices, pharmacies and NHS prescription payment and fraud agencies that see your paper prescription now. Sometimes dispensers may see that you have nominated another dispenser. For example, if you forget who you have nominated and ask them to check or, if you have nominated more than one dispenser. Dispensers will also see all the items on your reorder slip if you are on repeat prescriptions.

For more information please visit the NHS Choices website.