Prescriptions
Medications
Prescriptions, medications, tablets, repeats – they all mean the same thing.
There are plenty of ways you can request your repeat medications at HIYOS.
Who
It could be a medication that you have had once many years ago (that’s an acute medication) or a medication that you have once a week for many years (that’s a repeat medication).
A parent can request medication on behalf of a child. A carer can request medication as long as there is consent from the patient.
How
You can request your medication lots of different ways. The quickest and easiest is online. If you want us to help you with that we can.
Alternatively you can call between 0800-1000 Monday to Friday. We no longer accept pharmacies requesting your medication, unless by special arrangement.
It takes
1
working day
for you to get your prescription sent to your pharmacy.
At HIYOS, your repeat NHS prescriptions usually take one day to turn around, sometimes quicker – within a few hours.
Do try to plan ahead and order in plenty of time.
If you find yourself out of your medications and we are closed, you can speak to your usual pharmacy and ask for an emergency supply or give a call to or if you are really stuck at the weekend you can call 111 or check out their website.
It is best to order in plenty of time to avoid all that stress.
How can I get my repeat prescription?
Online services:
Online services: you can quickly and easily access your repeat medications through a portal called systmonline ( SystmOnline Login (tpp-uk.com) ) and we have a video tutorial on our YouTube channel if you’re finding it tricky.
Please do bear in mind, however, that we will not be able to do acute medications (i.e something not on your repeats list) as a clinician needs to review these first – you can do that by simply messaging us online or giving us a call between 8-10 and choose option 2. You may also need to do this if you find that you are unable to request your medication online – it may mean you need a review of your medication.
How to register for ordering your medication online
- Register for online services
Either come into the practice or call us any time between 0800-1830 Monday to Friday and press option 5. We will carry some checks and will send you a username and password to your mobile or email. If you need access for an account for a child or someone you are a carer for, then our staff will be able to help you through this process.
- Activate your account
Firstly, check your mobile / email and activate your account. Then log into your account.
- Log in
Use your username and your password to log in. You can click on forgotten password if you have forgotten your password and you can change this. Please do not share this with anyone and ensure that your password is secure.
- Go to online medication section
Go to the areas highliged in yellow in the image below to order your medication. Your medication should be listed. You can only request an NHS prescription that is on your repeat medication list. If you are stable on your current medication, we usually have 2 months of medication with 6 repeats. This would last a year, after which you need a review. However, if your NHS prescription is not available to order, you may need a review.
- Text message confirmation
We usually send you a text message confirmation when your nhs prescription has been sent to your nominated pharmacy.
- If you get stuck
Just give us a call between 0800-1000 Monday to Friday and choose the option for NHS prescriptions and our clinical pharmacists and or GPs will be able to help.
If you have issues with your medication, you may be booked with the clinical pharmacist who can assess your medication, they may be able to remove some medication from your repeat list if you find you no longer need it, or will be able to summarise new medication that has been given to you by the hospital.
Your pharmacy will not be able to request for your medication – unless priorly authorised, this is to prevent waste of medication. We found that when pharmacies were requesting medications that the patients didn’t need, many prescriptions were going to waste. If you wish to discuss your pharmacy requesting on your behalf – give us a call and we will book you in for a call with our clinical pharmacist to discuss with you.
Repeat dispensing
Wouldn’t it be fabulous if your NHS prescription went straight to your pharmacy automatically? Well, you’re in luck, we have a service called ‘repeat dispensing’ which will do just that. We’ll send your NHS prescription directly to your pharmacy.
That’s 6 batches of prescriptions of monthly or two montly prescriptions in one go. No need to ask the practice or order online. Just pick them up from the pharmacy when they are due.
If this sounds like a good idea, you can contact the practice anytime and arrange a call between 0800-1000 Monday to Friday, with our clinical pharmacist. They can discuss if repeat dispensing would work for you.
Do I have to pay?
The NHS ultimately is a free service, but there is a charge for NHS prescriptions and at present it’s £9.35. This is a subsided cost of the drugs, and the NHS will still pay most of the prescription charge, but it just needs a little from you. There are some exceptions such as contraception and inpatient hospital prescriptions.
You may be entitled to free prescriptions if you meet the following:
– If you are pregnant
– You have long term medical conditions such as diabetes.
– Claiming certain benefits.
If you find yourself to be purchasing more than two prescriptions a month you might find buying a PPC (prescription prepayment certificate) to be a useful way of spending less money on prescriptions. Basically, there are 3 months and 12-month options, which you should select on what best suits you.
In the UK the NHS is free however if you find yourself in need of private prescription the cost is truly dependent on the medication that you are seeking.
One of the questions that we receive a lot about is how much a private prescription for antibiotics costs? Unfortunately, it is not something that we can really answer, because it depends on why you need the antibiotics, which antibiotics will you need etc. You will find that private pharmacies and other services would be best to answer you in this regard but please ensure that you speak to a medical professional doing anything.
Pharmacies and minor ailments
The pharmacy is not just a place just for collecting your NHS prescription. It can also be where you can get advice on minor illnesses such as colds, fungal nail infections and more. In fact, the pharmacy is actually the best place that you can go for these minor ailments. We do not issue medication for minor ailments. This is due government policy. The pharmacy team will offer help and advice on management of minor conditions. If your symptoms are more serious, they will help you get the advice you need.