Important Changes to Repeat Prescribing in Cheshire

Important Changes to Repeat Prescribing in Cheshire

What is changing?

Patients who order their medication through a local Pharmacy will now need to order their medication directly from the Surgery.  Prescriptions will still be sent to your chosen Pharmacy for you to collect from.  We have been working closely with our local Pharmacies to ensure the change to the ordering runs smoothly.

Why is this happening?

We have looked at areas around the country and have seen that when patients order their own prescriptions this is safer and reduces waste.  Our NHS needs everyone to work together to make sure only medicines that are needed are requested and used properly.

What do I need to do?

The Practice will only accept repeat prescription requests from you or your carer.  When your next repeat prescription is due you will need to order using one of the following options:

• Talk with our Reception Team about ordering online or via your smartphone.
• Use a prescription request sheet which is fastened to the Right Hand Side of your prescription which you can use to tick the items you need and drop off or post to the Surgery.
• Discuss repeat dispensing with Bev, our Practice Pharmacist, or Karen our Prescription Clerk. Please view the A new way to get your regular prescriptions leaflet for more information  Please note: this may not be appropriate for all patients.

Please remember to allow enough time when ordering your repeat prescription for those items that you need.  You should order when you have 7 to 10 days of medicines left because on average it takes 2 days for the prescription to be issued and another 2-3 days for it to be dispensed.

Please note that we do not accept telephone medication requests except for our housebound patients.

What is not changing?

• Pharmacies will still collect prescriptions from GP Surgeries or receive them electronically.
• Pharmacies will still deliver medicines and other items to your home where appropriate.

Who to contact if you need more support

If you feel you might need support ordering your repeat prescription or you are a carer for someone who might need help, please contact the Practice on 01270 275949.

N.B: We have had to ensure that every patient who may be affected received a letter, so your household may have received more than one copy of this letter.