Prescriptions

Repeat Prescriptions

There are several ways to request your medication via prescription:

THe practice recommends two preferred ways of requesting your prescriptions. 

The above two methods ensure that it is processed timely and avoid any errors. 

However, we still continue accept prescription requests by:

  • Call into the practice with your repeat prescription slip ticking the items you require.
  • By post – please provide a stamped addressed envelope with your completed repeat prescription form

Please note: to avoid any error, we cannot take prescription requests via telephone (unless you are housebound, elderly and have made prior arrangements with your GP)

prescription

Collecting Prescriptions

Please allow two full working days for prescriptions to be processed. Due to the high volume of prescriptions we are unable to contact patients to let them know their prescription is ready for collection. if you prescription request is after 4 pm or on bank/public holidays,  the request process will start from next working day and wlll take two full working days from that point. 

Please note: not all chemists in the area collect from North Trafford Group Practice so patients will need to check collection arrangements and allow additional time before collection from the chemist.

Prescription Fees

Help with NHS costs

In England, around 90% of prescription items are dispensed free. This includes exemptions from charging for those on low incomes, such as:

  • those on specific benefits or through the NHS Low Income Scheme
  • those who are age exempt
  • those with certain medical conditions
  • More information is available at NHS Choices

NHS Charges

These charges apply in England only. In Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales prescriptions are free of charge.

  • Prescription (per item): £9.65
  • 12-month prepayment certificate (PPC): £111.60
  • 3-month PPC: £31.25

If you will have to pay for four or more prescription items in three months or more than 14 items in 12 months, you may find it cheaper to buy a PPC.

  • Telephone advice and order line 0845 850 0030
  • General Public - Buy or Renew a PPC On-line

There is further information about prescription exemptions and fees on the NHS website.

Recent Prescribing Guidance

In March 2018 NHS England published new prescribing guidance covering 35 minor, short term health conditions which are either self-limiting or suitable for self-care. A ‘self-limiting’ condition does not require any medical advice or treatment as it will usually clear up on its own (such as sore throats, coughs, colds and viruses) and a ‘minor illness that is suitable for self-care’ can be treated with items that can be purchased over the counter from a pharmacy. These conditions include indigestion, mouth ulcers and warts and verrucae.

The new guidance from NHS England recommends that GPs no longer prescribe medicines that are readily available over the counter at pharmacies. Vitamins, minerals and probiotics are also included. Patients who receive free prescriptions will not automatically be exempt from this guidance. We hope that you will understand the reasons why it is important that the NHS do not issue prescriptions for items that can be bought over the counter.

Minor Ailments Service

Our local chemists offer a Minor Ailments Scheme which enables patients to have some medications without prescription. 

Please follow this link to see details of medications available over the counter.