IMPORTANT - Over the Counter Medication

From 31st May 2018 a range of medicines that are available to buy over the counter from pharmacies and supermarkets will no longer be routinely prescribed by your GP.  To explain more please use the link here OTC Meds.PDF or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOp5OgFExhQ&feature=youtu.be

Repeat Prescriptions

If you have access to the internet, the easiest way to order your repeat prescriptions is via SystmOnline . The link above takes you directly to this site.

If you have already registered to make appointments online you will be able to request your medications via this site immediately.

If you wish to order prescriptions online and you have not already registered to do this please attend to the Surgery with a photographic ID.  This process is to protect you from misuse and abuse of your online medical record. Following this you will be provided with your log in details. To order prescriptions, please click on SystmOnline website and follow the instructions for logging in.

The advantages of ordering prescriptions this way are that you can see all the medications which are on your repeat list, you can choose which ones you want to request, you can add a note for the doctor to read and you will be notified when your prescription is ready (or see any messages from your doctor), all online.

Please allow 48 hrs for a repeat prescription to be processed. Collection from the surgery will be after 3 pm 2 days later. We cannot fulfil same day requests for repeat medication

TOP TIP make your request 2 weeks before you run out. This gives plenty of time should any safety or clinical queries arise

There are many ways you can request a prescription:

Person- tick items on the white right hand side of your repeat script OR complete yellow slip in reception

Post- as above but post to The Leckhampton Surgery, Cheltenham, GL53 0LA
Fax- as above but fax to: 01242 524494
Email- as above but email to leckhampton.scripts@nhs.net

We cannot accept requests by phone for the following reasons:

1. To reduce the risk of transcriber error
2. To free up limited telephone lines for urgent medical requests

TOP TIP for items that cannot be transmitted electronically (eg controlled drugs) pharmacies may offer a collection service from us. Contact your local chemist to enquire about this.

Collection of Prescriptions

Most pharmacies offer a service Electronic Prescription Service (EPS) to collect prescriptions from the surgery on behalf of patients. The pharmacies then get the medicines ready for patients to collect direct from the pharmacy, which saves patients a trip to the surgery. If this service would help you, please contact your local pharmacy to find out if they can offer this.

If you wish to use EPS, please contact reception and let them know which pharmacy you want your prescriptions to go to.

Prescriptions Charges and 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.

Please allow 48 hours, excluding weekends and Bank Holidays, for your request to be processed. If you have any problems please telephone the surgery.

Leckhampton Surgery has introduced an Electronic Prescription Service (EPS). This means that your GP will be able to send your prescription electronically to the Pharmacy you choose to get your medication from – without the need for paper in most cases. The Electronic Prescription Service is reliable, secure and confidential.

How to use the Electronic Prescription Service

You may wish to ‘nominate’ a specific pharmacy to receive your prescriptions electronically. You can ask a member of staff in your chosen pharmacy to arrange this.

• If you do not want to nominate a specific pharmacy (although it may be best to do so), any local pharmacy can dispense your medication once it has been authorised by a doctor
• You can continue to order your prescriptions in the usual way, but instead of a paper prescription being collected by you or your pharmacy, the prescription will be sent to them electronically.
• You should try to ensure that on most occasions you collect your prescriptions from your nominated Pharmacy. However, if you don’t wish to use your nominated Pharmacy for a particular prescription just make sure you let the surgery know when you request the prescription. If you wish to change your pharmacy, also let the pharmacy know.
• Nomination is very flexible and can be cancelled or changed at any time by asking a member of staff at the pharmacy or the surgery
• If you would like further information about the service, please ask the staff in any pharmacy offering EPS.