Prescriptions

Ordering repeat prescriptions

You can only request medication where a repeat prescription has been authorised by one of our clinicians.

We cannot issue medication requests or changes from other healthcare providers until we have received documentation and this has been reviewed by one of our clinicians.

There may be times when a requested medication is deemed not to be appropriate or needs review prior to being issued. This decision is made by a clinician.

The easiest ways to order repeat prescriptions are:

These accounts show you all your repeat medicine and dosage and you can choose the ones you need.

You can also:

  • bring the paper form to the surgery, Monday to Friday from 8am to 7pm
  • email cricklewood.healthcentre@nhs.net with your repeat prescription request
    • Your request must clearly indicate your name, your date of birth, and the details of the medication you are requesting.
    • Please note: due to the volume of emails we receive, we are unable to reply to repeat prescription requests sent by email but your request will be actioned within 72 working hours if your medication is due.
    • Please check with your nominated pharmacy to confirm your prescription has been received before contacting the practice.
  • post a stamped addressed envelope and we will return your prescription via Royal Mail
    • ​Please make sure you have at least one week supply before you request your prescription and please put in the full medication name to avoid delay.

We do not take repeat prescription requests over the phone.

​If you get regular prescriptions, the Electronic Prescription Service (EPS) may be able to save you time by avoiding unnecessary trips to your GP.

EPS makes it possible for your prescriptions to be sent electronically to the pharmacy or dispenser of your choice.

Choosing a pharmacy or dispensing appliance contractor to process your EPS prescription is called nomination. This means you’ll no longer have to collect a paper repeat prescription from your GP practice – instead, you can go straight to the nominated pharmacy or dispensing appliance contractor to pick up your medicines or medical appliances, however you still need to request your repeat prescription.

However, dispensing arrangements or deliveries for individual pharmacies are not controlled by us and you should discuss this with your nominated pharmacy.

For more detailed information, download the EPS patient information leaflet.

Collecting your prescription

When a patient requests a repeat prescription we aim to complete this in 72 working hours.

  • Please note: we are closed on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays. Requested received on these days will not be processed until the next working day.

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.

If you would like to speak to someone at the GP surgery about your prescription:

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

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.