Prescriptions

Prescriptions

Use the links below to find out how to easily order and manage your prescription

Ordering repeat prescriptions

The easiest ways to order repeat prescriptions are:

  • Online
    Submit a online request
  • Online
    Via our online GP system – SystmOnline
  • Via Email
    Email your requests to northantsicb.kerspatients@nhs.net
  • By Post
    Use the paper re-order slip printed on the right hand side of your repeat prescription. Just tick the items you need and post it to the surgery.
  • In Person
    Use the paper re-order slip printed on the right hand side of your repeat prescription. Just tick the items you need and put it in the box at our entrance. 

We do not accept repeat prescription requests when speaking to a receptionist. This is open to error and considered to be a high clinical risk.  

Collecting your prescription

You can usually collect your prescription from the pharmacy 2 working days after you have ordered it.

You will need to choose a pharmacy to collect your prescription from. We call this nominating a pharmacy.

You can change your nominated pharmacy at any time:

  • On the app or website where you order repeat prescriptions
  • At your GP practice
  • At any pharmacy that accepts repeat prescriptions

Questions about your prescription

If you have questions about your medicine, your local pharmacists can answer these. They can also answer questions on medicines you can buy without a prescription.

The NHS website has information on how your medicine works, how and when to take it, possible side effects and answers to your common questions.

Medication reviews

Please note that we review the care of all our patients who receive their medication by repeat prescription at least annually.  This is not only good clinical practice but is a requirement under our contract with the NHS.

Your annual review will be set to the 1st of your birthday month to help and your review date will also be printed on the bottom of any prescriptions you may have as a reminder. 

Our staff are not authorised to issue repeat medication once that date has passed, so as it approaches please make an appointment for review.  If you are housebound, then please ask the receptionist to arrange for your doctor or District Nurse to visit you for this review consultation.

Electronic Prescription Service (ePS)

This practice is set up for the electronic prescription service.

This means that for most patients we can send your prescription to your chosen chemist directly saving you having to come down to the surgery.

To get your prescription sent to your chosen pharmacy you will have to ask reception to sign up.

The Electronic Prescription Service (EPS) is an NHS service. It gives you the chance to change how your GP sends your prescription to the place you choose to get your medicines or appliances from.
If you collect your repeat prescriptions from your GP you will not have to visit your GP practice to pick up your paper prescription. Instead, your GP will send it electronically to the place you choose, saving you time.

You will have more choice about where to get your medicines from because they can be collected from a pharmacy near to where you live, work or shop.

You may not have to wait as long at the pharmacy as there will be time for your repeat prescriptions to be ready before you arrive.
Yes, if you have a stable condition and you:
– don’t want to go to your GP practice every time to collect your repeat prescription.
– collect your medicines from the same place most of the time or use a prescription collection service now.

It may not be if you:
– don’t get prescriptions very often.
– pick up your medicines from different places.
You need to choose a place for your GP practice to electronically send your prescription to. This is called nomination. You can choose:

– a pharmacy. a dispensing appliance contractor (if you use one).
– your dispensing GP practice (if you are eligible).

Ask any pharmacy or dispensing appliance contractor that offers EPS or your GP practice to add your nomination for you. You don’t need a computer to do this.
Yes you can. If you don’t want your prescription to be sent electronically tell your GP. If you want to change or cancel your nomination speak to any pharmacist or dispensing appliance contractor that offers EPS, or your GP practice. Tell them before your next prescription is due or your prescription may be sent to the wrong place.
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. Sometimes dispensers may see that you have nominated another dispenser. For example, if you forget who you have nominated and ask them to check or, if you have nominated more than one dispenser. Dispensers will also see all the items on your reorder slip if you are on repeat prescriptions.

For more information please visit the NHS Choices website.

Prescription Fees

Find out more about prescription charges (nhs.uk).

What to do with old medicines

Take it to the pharmacy you got it from or bring it in to the surgery. Do not put it in your household bin or flush it down the toilet.

About pharmacists

As qualified healthcare professionals, pharmacists can offer advice on minor illnesses such as:

  • coughs
  • colds
  • sore throats
  • tummy trouble
  • aches and pains

They can also advise on medicine that you can buy without a prescription.

Many pharmacies are open until late and at weekends. You do not need an appointment.

Most pharmacies have a private consultation room where you can discuss issues with pharmacy staff without being overheard.