Townside Surgery

0161 527 0898

Repeat prescriptions

Repeat prescriptions can be ordered in a number of ways:

  • In person – hand your computerised repeat slip into reception with the required items clearly marked.
  • By post – send it to us with a stamped addressed envelope and we’ll post it back to you.
  • Order online – if you have registered for online services
  • By Pharmacy – contact your local pharmacist to order your medications

Please note:  Due to the Data Protection Regulations, we no longer take repeat prescription requests over the telephone.  However, patients can also make arrangements with local pharmacies for electronic transfer of prescriptions from the practice to the pharmacy and collection/delivery of their prescription medication if they have difficulty collecting it themselves. Speak to your local pharmacist to for more information.

Medication Reviews

Patients on repeat medication will be asked to see a Doctor, Practice Nurse, or Health Care Support Worker at least once a year to review these regular medications and notification should appear on your repeat slip. Please ensure that you book an appropriate appointment to avoid unnecessary delays to further prescriptions.

Please allow two full working days for prescriptions to be processed and remember to take weekends and bank holidays into account.

Ordering Online

New users are required to register for online services. This system enables you to see a copy of the current repeat medication that has been authorised for you by the doctor and for which you have not yet used the quota of issues before the doctor needs to review your medication.

To register for online services please bring two forms of identification into the practice, where our receptionists will be only too happy to go through the process with you.  Once you have received your log in details simply follow the step by step instructions on screen.  Remember there is no need to register more than once, registering online will include access to online appointments.

Patients are advised that in order to activate and access your Repeat Prescriptions online, Photographic proof of identification will need to be presented in person at your GP Practice.

Should you experience any problems please refer to the Patient Frequently Asked Questions Guide.

Prescription Charges

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): £8.60
  • 12-month prepayment certificate (PPC): £104.00
  • 3-month PPC: £29.10

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 prepayment certificate.

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

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).

Who is entitled to free prescriptions?

You can get free NHS prescriptions if, at the time the prescription is dispensed, you:

  • are 60 or over
  • are under 16
  • are 16-18 and in full-time education
  • are pregnant or have had a baby in the previous 12 months and have a valid maternity exemption certificate (MatEx)
  • have a specified medical condition and have a valid medical exemption certificate (MedEx)
  • have a continuing physical disability that prevents you going out without help from another person and have a valid MedEx
  • hold a valid war pension exemption certificate and the prescription is for your accepted disability
  • are an NHS inpatient

You’re also entitled to free prescriptions if you or your partner – including civil partner – receive, or you’re under the age of 20 and the dependant of someone receiving:

If you’re entitled to or named on:

  • a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate – if you don’t have a certificate, you can show your award notice; you qualify if you get Child Tax Credits, Working Tax Credits with a disability element (or both), and have income for tax credit purposes of £15,276 or less
  • a valid NHS certificate for full help with health costs (HC2)

Date published: 8th October, 2014
Date last updated: 18th November, 2022