Prescriptions - City Walls Medical Centre

Prescriptions Policy

In order to make the ordering of repeat prescriptions safer and more efficient and to improve the service that we offer to patients, please follow the guidelines below when ordering your repeat medication.

Please order your repeat prescription BEFORE you run out of your regular medication. Please make sure you order this when you still have at least one weeks worth of medication in hand.

Routine repeat prescriptions will usually be ready for collection within two working days. If received after 12pm, please allow three working days.

If you wish to order your usual regular medication early for a holiday or other reason, please let us know at least one week beforehand, together with the reason for the early request.

Requests for repeat prescriptions can be made:

Online: Using our Patient Access service
Directly at the Surgery in Person
By Post:
City Walls Medical Centre
St Martins Way
Chester
CH1 2NR.

Use the repeat prescription order form on the right hand side of your prescription slip - please mark the items that you require (and enclose a SAE if you wish your prescription order form to be returned to you)
Via a Local Pharmacy Collection Service (if you need more details about the services, please contact your nominated pharmacy)

Requests for prescriptions will not be taken over the telephone.

An Easier Way:
Electronic Prescription Service (EPS)

The Electronic Prescription Service enables prescribers - such as GPs and practice nurses - to send prescriptions electronically to a dispenser (such as a pharmacy) of the patient's choice.

This makes the prescribing and dispensing process more efficient and convenient for patients and staff.

Please see the Electronic Prescribing tab located to the left of this page for more details.

Required Medication Not Shown

Prescriptions for medication not listed on your repeat prescription order form cannot be given without permission from your doctor. You may need to make an appointment to see your doctor first.

Prescriptions for medication not given within the last twelve months cannot be given without permission from your doctor. You may need to make an appointment to see your doctor first.

Going on Holiday?

If you are going abroad, you can have a prescription for up to 3 months treatment. If you are going to be away longer than this you must make your own arrangements in the country of travel.

Medication Reviews

Sometimes your doctor may want to review your medication and medical condition, therefore you may be asked to make an appointment to see your doctor or the nurse before your next prescription is due.

This review is carried out at least once every 12 months.

Online Medication Requests

Did you know that you can order your repeat medication online?

Patient Access is a website which enables you to request repeat medication from home or anywhere you have access to the internet, even on most mobile telephones.

You will find this service quick and easy to use, and it can be particularly useful for those times when the surgery telephone lines are busy or when the surgery is closed.

To activate this service, please contact a practice patient co-ordinator, who will give you a printout of your own personal login and security details - you will need these to create your account on Patient Access.

Once you have opened your account, you will be free to order your repeat medication and book appointments online at any time of the day.

Alternatively, you may use mobile apps such as the myGP app or the NHS app. Click the links for more details.

Prescriptions Charges & 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.

Prescription (per item): £9.65 (check latest price)
12-month prepayment certificate (PPC): £111.60 (check latest price)
3-month PPC: £31.25 (check latest price)

If you will have to pay for four or more prescription items in three months, or more than 15 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.

Contraception

Have you run out of your pill?

Yes

No

Coil / Implant / Depot

If you are interested in chatting to a clinician about any of the above forms of contraception or your current contraception is due, please fill in our contraception appointment form.

For further information, please refer to our contraception page.

Your Community Pharmacy Can Help

Your local pharmacy can help with any minor ailments. Please contact your pharmacy regarding the following problems:

Colds
Coughs
Diarrhoea
Vomiting
Worms
Head Lice
Fever
Oral Thrush
Simple Urine Infection
Eye Infections

For more information, please see the Pharmacy First section of our Self Care page.

Electronic Prescription Service (EPS)

Our practices offer the Electronic Prescription Service which allows us to send all your future prescriptions electronically to a pharmacy of your choice.

To nominate your preferred pharmacy, please let us know in person at the practice or by telephone. You can also nominate your preferred pharmacy at the pharmacy itself. This will not affect the way that you order / request prescriptions. Benefits For You:

Saved Time: You will not have to visit the practice to pick up your paper prescription. Instead your practice will send it automatically to your pharmacy of choice. This also decreases the chances of it getting lost.
Convenience: Almost all pharmacies are connected to this service, so you will be able to have your prescription sent to the most convenient pharmacy for you, whether it's near your home or work.
Medication In Stock: Pharmacies will be able to view your request before you arrive, allowing them to order any medication required that they may not have in stock.

Can I change my nomination or cancel it?

Yes you can. Simply let us know at reception, via the phone or by informing your pharmacy.

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.

Would you like more information? A full list of pharmacies who are offering electronic prescriptions is listed on The NHS Website. More information about the Electronic Prescription Service is available from your local pharmacy, at the GP surgery or online at http://systems.hscic.gov.uk/eps.