Repeat Prescriptions

Partients on long-term regular medication can order repeat prescriptions in a number of ways:

• By Email– to
  d-ccg.PrescriptionBrannam@nhs.net including your full name, date of birth, items and dosage required and where you will be collecting from (chemist or reception).  Please do not use this e-mail address for general enquiries.
• Online – You will need to set up a personal account to be able to order repeat prescriptions online.

1. All you need to do is ask at reception - they will provide you with your login details and instructions on how to create your account.
2. Once you have set up your SystmOnline account, you can order repeat prescriptions. Simply click Order Repeat Medication and enter your login details.  You can then order the items you need from your current medication list, like you would on your paper copy.
3. If the item you require does not appear on your repeat medication list, please send an e-mail listing your requirements to our prescribing co-ordinators at d-ccg.PrescriptionBrannam@nhs.net

We are not able to take repeat prescription requests over the telephone.

Please note:

• Allow 72 hours if collecting from the chemist or 48 hours if collecting your prescription from reception.
• Please note that we do not issue prescriptions that are ordered more than one week early. If you are going on holiday please note on your request how long you will be away for and we can send prescriptions to the chemist for your return.
• The practice does not dispense but there is a Lloyds Pharmacy right next door and a number of others nearby.

Our Prescribing co-ordinators, Mel and Caroline, are available for enquiries only on 01271 314222 08.30 - 13:00 and 14:00 - 17:00 (Fax: 01271 314240).

Batch Prescriptions

We offer a batch prescription service to all patients on stable regular medication. This service allows you to order your medication in advance and ensures it is ready for when you need it. 

How it works:

• Complete a simple form and take it to your pharmacy
• The pharmacy allocated handles all of your prescriptions. When you are running low just let the pharmacy know and they will make up your next batch of medication for you. 
• The batch prescribing service lasts for one year. If your medication changes we can start it again when your new medication becomes stable.

If you would like to join our Batch Prescribing Service please speak to one of the receptionists or your doctor.

Medication Reviews

Patients on repeat medication will be asked to see either a doctor, nurse practitioner or clinical pharmacist at least once a year to review these regular medications.

Brannam Medical Centre Prescription update during the pandemic

• Unfortunately we are not able to offer a delivery service for medication. If you are in receipt of the Vulnerable Patient letter from the NHS, please follow the instructions in the letter. The advice is still to ask a friend, relative or neighbour to collect if for you.

• If you have requested a prescription from us, please be assured that we will get it done and sent electronically to your chosen pharmacy. Our phone lines are extremely busy at the moment so please avoid calling us to simply see if your prescription has been processed.

• Please DO NOT stockpile medications. This can lead to shortage of items, making it difficult for pharmacies to obtain them. Order your medication at the normal time.

Rescue packs for patients with respiratory conditions

• Some accurate information has been circulating in the public domain regarding special 'rescue packs' for patients with pre-existing respiratory conditions such as asthma or COPD.

• Patients will already have a COPD/asthma rescue pack if they are in the cohort of patients that this is intended for. Patients are being advised not to contact their GP practice for a rescue pack if they have not had one before.

Information about Medicines

Every month our practice prints close to five thousand prescriptions.  As all tablets, creams and inhalers can be dangerous we make it our responsibility to help all our patients to use their medication safely.  This is a very big task and one which we can do more easily with your help.  Our computer tells us when someone may be over using or under using their tablets and also tells us if a mix of medication is potentially dangerous.  This is all double checked by the pharmacist.

Everyone who uses regular medication has a review every year. This may involve blood tests, breathing tests, having your blood pressure checked or asking about side effects.

In order to help us manage your medication safely and to avoid waste, we ask you to:

• Let us know if you have stopped taking any medication
• Come for medication reviews and tests when asked
• Let us know if you take any herbal or alternative medicines regularly

Medication is very costly.  The NHS can make big savings if medication is not wasted or stockpiled.  If you do have a lot of tablets left over or stored away, please let the practice know.

Finding out about medication

If you want to know more about any of the medication you are using, what side effects it may give you or what its benefits are there are some excellent web sites to help you.  We would recommend you start any enquiry at www.patient.co.uk.   Alternatively you could ask any local pharmacist or enquire with the doctors or nurses at the practice.

If you want to understand more about your medication, you may be interested in looking at some of the information sources we use to keep ourselves up to date.  Try:

BNF

This is the British National Formulary and contains information about every type of medication used in the UK, by GPs, Dentists and hospital specialists.

NICE

The National Institute of Clinical Excellence. This is the Government sponsored research unit of the NHS which look at whether new treatments should be offered on the NHS.  Look particularly at the 'Guidance' section.

EU EXIT medicine update

The government is working closely with the NHS and suppliers to help to ensure medicines and medical products continue to be available for patients if there is a 'no deal' Brexit.

For more information please visit nhs.uk.

NHS Prescription Charges

Prescription charges in England increased to £9.15 on 1st April 2019.

If you pay the NHS prescription charge for medication please note that sometimes the tablets we prescribe you may be cheaper for you to buy over the counter. Ask the chemist for advice.

Save money with the prescription prepayment certificate (PPC)

If you know you’ll have to pay for a lot of NHS prescriptions it may be cheaper to buy a prescription prepayment certificate (PPC) – effectively a prescription 'season ticket'. A PPC covers you for all of your own NHS prescriptions, including dental prescriptions, no matter how many items you need. However, this does not include other health costs, for example the provision of wigs and fabric supports which are only provided through the hospital service.There are two PPC options to choose from:

How much can I save?

• If you need two items each month you can save around £100 with a 12 month PPC
• If you need three items each month you can save around £205 with a 12 month PPC
• If you need four items each month you can save around £305 with a 12 month PPC

There are several payment options available. If you choose the 12 month PPC, you can pay for this by 10 monthly direct debit instalments.

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

Private Prescriptions

Some prescription services fall outside the scope of the NHS and therefore attract charges.  This includes prescriptions for medication required for travel abroad, such as malaria tablets.