Prescriptions

The easiest way to order repeat prescriptions is:

• using your NHS account (through the NHS website or in the NHS App)

Your account will show you your regular repeat medication and you can choose the ones you need. If you need a one-off prescription that you have had prescribed in the past that is not on your repeat list contact the surgery.

You can also:

• order via your nominated pharmacy
• email the practice (riversidemedicalpractice@nhs.net don’t forget to include your name, date of birth and what you need)
• bring the paper form to the surgery (that you received with your last prescription) when we are open.

We do not take repeat prescription requests over the phone.

When you have one week of medication left it is time to order your repeat prescription. We cannot accept requests earlier than this. 

The Practice has on-site dispensaries where some patients can have their prescriptions dispensed.

Due to pharmaceutical regulations, we are unable to dispense to patients who live within 1 mile from the nearest pharmacy as the crow flies. This is regardless of whether they live in Halling or Cuxton. 

 You can nominate a pharmacy for your prescription to be sent to electronically. 

You can do this by 

• Logging in to the NHS App - Go to 'View and manage prescriptions' followed by 'Your nominated pharmacy'
• Phone us Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 13:30pm or 3:30pm to 6.30pm.
• Visit the surgery and speak with a receptionist when we are open.

Please Allow 3 Working Days before collecting your prescription - This allows the doctor time to check and sign your prescription.

It also allows time for stock to be delivered if it needs to be ordered in. (Sometimes there are supply issues that are out of our control. We will advise you how to proceed if this is the case).

Help with NHS costs

In England, around 90% of prescription items are dispensed free. This includes exemptions from charging for those on low incomes, such as:

• those on specific benefits or through the NHS Low Income Scheme
• those who are age exempt
• those with certain medical conditions
• more information is available on the NHS website

These charges apply in England only. In Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales prescriptions are free of charge.

• Prescription (per item): £9.90
• 12-month prepayment certificate (PPC): £114.50
• 3-month PPC: £32.05

If you 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 PPC.

• Telephone advice and order line 0845 850 0030
• General Public - Buy or Renew a PPC On-line

There is further information about prescription exemptions and fees on the NHS website.

When you are discharged from hospital you should normally receive at least 7 days supply of medication.

The hospital will normally provide you with a discharge letter and send the practice a copy of it. This should list any medication changes that need to be made. 

This will be checked by the GP and if necessary they will issue you with a prescription. In most cases the prescription will be ready for collection the next working day. 

The doctors will review your medication, regularly, which may involve changes to your medicines. This is in accordance with current Health Policy.

Please be reassured that this will not affect your treatment.

Pharmacists are qualified healthcare professionals. They can offer you advice and treatment for many minor illnesses, without the need for a prescription from the surgery, for:

• Sore throat
• Earache
• Sinusitis
• Impetigo
• Shingles
• Infected insect bites
• Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women under 65.

Pharmacists can also tell you about medicine that you can buy over the counter and if you need to see a GP. 

Find a pharmacy

Many pharmacies are open until late and at weekends. You do not need an appointment.

Most pharmacies have a private consultation room. This allows you to discuss issues with pharmacy staff without being overheard.