Repeat prescription arrangements

Please read the counterfoil instructions if you are handing or posting it in.  Each item you require must be marked with a tick in the box.  If nothing is marked we assume nothing is required.

The prescription counterfoil has a list if drugs that are officially repeatable. On the right hand side of the drug there is a box that needs to be ticked to request it. Just tick the ones required. Drugs that are not repeatable are not listed on the counterfoil. If you are on regular medication that is not on the counterfoil, only your doctor can add it. You would have to negotiate this with your doctor. A phone call may be sufficient.

Please allow at TWO working days for the processing of your prescription request, after which, it can be collected, or it will be posted back to you if you enclose a stamped, addressed envelope. If you request, all your prescriptions can be delivered to the Gordon Davis chemist in Keyworth. You can also hand the counterfoil in at the local chemist, but it will take THREE working days. 

We think best way is to send your request to the chemist and collect the medication from there 3 working days later, (You will have to sign a form at the chemist to get started) or to use the email system.

All repeat prescriptions are recorded by computer and form an important record and check on your treatment. Your consumption of medications is checked regularly by the responsible doctor and inconsistencies will be discussed with you. We normally issue sufficient for at least a month. If you have had a prescription and are requesting another before you have used the previous supply you should tell us the reason, otherwise we may be unable to issue another until the due date.

Why it takes 2 days to process a prescription.
With so many people taking medication on a regular basis our practice has to deal with 150 to 200 requests for repeat medication every working day. Each request has to be checked by the person dealing with the request against the patient's records to ensure that it is legitimate and appropriate. When that has been confirmed the prescription is printed. The prescriptions are then sorted so that the doctor responsible for the prescription can be presented with it for checking and signing. Prescriptions are usually signed at about 11-30am each day when doctors have finished their first morning surgery. They are then re-sorted according to whether they are to collected from the surgery, posted, dispensed or sent to the local pharmacy. Many requests generate queries or problems that need a doctor to spend a considerable amount of time sorting out, sometimes by phoning the patient back about it. To do this job efficiently takes about 48 hours.
In an emergency prescriptions can be produced quickly. We need to print it, then get it checked and signed by a doctor. This would normally take no more than a couple of hours.

Repeat prescriptions by email
We have been doing this for some time now and are pleased to say that it works well. It is important, however, that you follow the rules set out below, because with drugs we can leave nothing to chance. 

With the usual counterfoil system all the information we need is on it and all you have to do is tick the box(es). If you prepare yourself an email to send with all the information we request you can send it unchanged every time. You do not need to keep redoing it!

The rules are listed below.  They must be complied with before we can guarantee to process your request.  We also ask you to understand that if things do not function as you think they should then it is your responsibility to revert to a standard method of obtaining a repeat.  Nevertheless we will do our best to make sure it works.  

When we receive your email you will get an automated reply that we have received your request provided the subject says 'prescription'.

We will maintain the highest level of confidentiality of information we receive in keeping with the normal standards once we have received it.  If information goes astray before we get it, or is intercepted en route, it is your risk.

Email Rules
1.   Please do not send attachments; we will not open them because of the risk of viruses.

2.  In the header of the email put "prescription" in the 'Subject' line.  In the 'To' line the address is patient.prescriptions@gp-c84048.nhs.uk   In the message section of the email  state your full name, date of birth, and address. It is important to include all these.

3.   Beneath these personal details please list the drugs with a separate line for each. Please put full name of the drug as it appears on your counterfoil. This must  include the form, eg tabs, caps, etc and the strength. We will assume the quantity and dosage as previously.  If you wish to use the same email repeatedly listing all your medications and putting "yes" or "no" on the line according to whether you want it this time, that is ok.  Please look at our example emailscriptexample.txt  you can copy and paste this template into your own email for guidance.

4. If you are requesting something that would not appear appropriate please give an explanation. eg if you get a 4 week supply and you are reordering after 2 weeks because you are going on holiday.

5. We collect our emails once a day Monday to Friday. The process takes 2 working days before collection in the usual way.

We will acknowledge every request with a reply within a day. If you do not get an email reply, please assume we have not received your request.

Please do not include any matter other than a clear request for an authorised repeat medication.