Ordering repeat prescriptions
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
- by email swlicb.wimbledonmedicalscripts@nhs.net
If you have more than one repeat prescription please try and order all your items together.
Clearly indicate where you would like your prescription to be sent. We can send the prescription to your home address but remember to enclose a stamped addressed envelope.
Collecting your prescription
You can usually collect your prescription 2 working days after you have ordered it.
Prescriptions are available between 9am-1pm.
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
- fill out a nominate a pharmacy or other dispenser form
- at any pharmacy that accepts repeat prescriptions
Private prescriptions
In the UK, private prescriptions are not automatically converted into NHS prescriptions. However in certain cases, if you meet the necessary criteria, a doctor may decide to issue an NHS prescription.
Exemptions
People in the following categories are automatically exempt from prescription charges:
Children under 16 years old; under 19 who are in full time education; people over 60 years of age; pregnant women and women who have had a baby in the last 12 months; people in receipt of certain benefits and people with specific medical conditions.
Generic medicines
A generic medicine is a medicine which contains the same active ingredients as the original patented one, however it is much cheaper to purchase. It is usually a different shape or colour to the original brand, but it does exactly the same job.
Why is this good for the Patient?
As demands on the health service grow, generic medicines provide patients with safe and effective treatment while reducing the cost of pharmaceutical care. Generic medicines are widely demanded in many EU counties and are increasingly prescribed by general practitioners.
Generic medicines stimulate competition between pharmaceutical companies as soon as the patient on the original brands expires. This means that your doctor can prescribe medicines safely and the costs to the surgery are reduced, allowing your surgery to provide more services for the budget they are given.
What you need to know?
If you take regular medication try and remember its strength and its name. Sometimes you may be given a different brand: by going to the same pharmacy for your prescription each time to avoid this. If you are worried about your medicines your doctor or pharmacist will be happy to discuss them and put your mind at rest.
Medication reviews
If you have a repeat prescription, we may ask you to come in for a regular review. We will be in touch when you need to come in for a review.
Prescription charges
In the UK, private prescriptions are not automatically converted into NHS prescriptions. However in certain cases, if you meet the necessary criteria a doctor may decide to issue an NHS prescription.
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.
