Ways of ordering your repeat medication
The easiest ways to order repeat prescriptions are:
- using your NHS account (through the NHS website or in the NHS App)
- using the GP online system: Patient Access
- using the repeat prescription slip provided by the doctor – post this slip to the surgery or hand it in over the counter
We prefer not to receive requests for prescriptions over the phone if possible.
Dispensary
- Great Massingham dispensary phone
01485 521137 Phone lines are open from 9.30am – 1pm and 3.30pm – 6pm - Bayfield Surgery, Docking dispensary phone
01485 521136 Phone lines are open from 8.30am – 1pm and 2pm – 6pm
Both surgeries dispense medicines to all our patients from 8.30am to 6pm, except between 1pm and 2pm when we are closed for lunch.
Prescription deliveries
The surgery provides a free prescription delivery service for patients who are over 60 and are medically exempt. Patients who wish to make use of this service should speak to the dispensing staff for more details.
Collecting your prescription
You can usually collect your prescription 3 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 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.
Go to Medicines A to Z (nhs.uk)
Medication reviews
With regards to long term medication, your doctor will need to see you at regular intervals to review your treatment. A review date will be shown on your repeat prescription slip. Please arrange to see your doctor just before this date as the dispenser may not be able to issue repeat prescriptions after the review date has passed.
Birthday annual medication reviews
Why do I need a medication review?
As part of our continuing care to our patients, we ask that all medication is reviewed by the practice at least once a year. We are changing our recall system to call you in on or around your birthday month to assist you in remembering to attend your review. The review is to ensure that the medication is still effective and appropriate for the condition for which it is being prescribed. Please note that you may also be monitored at a hospital or other institution, but we are also required to review you if we issue any prescriptions.
What will happen at the review?
The annual review may include a blood test, blood pressure check, etc, with an HCA or Nurse and then an appointment with a GP either face to face or via the telephone. For some patients, e.g., diabetics, this may be more than once a year.
How will I be invited?
You will receive an invitation to attend for your review before the month of your birth and then a further reminder attached to your prescription. For safety reasons, if you do not respond to these requests, your GP may have to restrict the quantity of medication on further prescriptions or opt to hold back further supplies until you are reviewed. Therefore, we ask that you respond as soon as possible.
Your letter will advise you whether you:
- Need to attend for monitoring with an HCA/Nurse and then see a clinician.
- Need to see/speak to the GP only.
Prescription charges
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 room where you can discuss issues with pharmacy staff.
