Ordering repeat prescriptions
The easiest ways to order repeat prescriptions are:
- By using your NHS account (through the NHS website or in the NHS App)
- By using the GP online system – SystmOnline
- In person – drop your request slip in at reception with the required items clearly marked
- By email: hnyicb-voy.fss.prescriptions@nhs.net
These accounts show you all your repeat medicine and dosage and you can choose the ones you need.
We do not take repeat prescription requests over the phone.
Please allow 72 hours (3 working days) for prescriptions to be processed, remembering to take weekends and bank holidays into account
If you wish to still use your pharmacies collection or delivery service you may need to inform them that your order has been placed (Please check with your nominated pharmacy).
Collecting your prescription
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:
- By phone: Call 01904 794141 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday and speak to one of our receptionists
- By E-consult – eConsult
Medication reviews
Every repeat medication requires intermittent reviewing. This may require an appointment with a GP, healthcare assistant or nurse. You will be advised when ordering your medication when this is due, or you may receive a text/letter from us asking you to book an appointment for this. The NHS app and SystmOnline will remove the option for you to request your repeat medication if you are due a review.
Prescription charges and Exemptions
Current prescription charge is £9.65 per item.
Prescription prepayment certificate (PPC) – if you know you’ll need to pay for a lot of NHS prescriptions, it may be cheaper to buy a PPC.
NHS charges
These charges apply in England only. In Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales prescriptions are free of charge.
There are 3 PPC options:
- a 3-month PPC costs £32.05 and will save you money if you need more than 3 prescribed items in 3 months
- a 12-month PPC costs £114.50 and will save you money if you need more than 11 prescribed items in a year
- a hormone replacement therapy (HRT) PPC costs £19.80 and will save you money if you need more than 2 prescribed qualifying HRT items in a year
- For more information on PPCs, please visit: Save money with a prescription prepayment certificate (PPC) – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
What to do with old medicines
If you have tablets or medicines that you no longer require or which have reached their expiry date, please return them to a pharmacy, not the surgery. Do not put it in your household bin or flush it down the toilet.
About pharmacists
NHS Pharmacy First scheme – Under the new NHS Pharmacy First scheme, you can visit a pharmacist to receive advice and treatment for some simple illnesses, instead of going to see your doctor. These are the conditions, and at what age, you can see the pharmacist about:
- Earache – 1 to 17 years.
- Impetigo – 1 year and over.
- Infected insect bites – 1 year and over.
- Shingles – 18 years and over.
- Sinusitis – 12 years and over.
- Sore throat – 5 years and over.
- Uncomplicated urinary tract infections – women 16-64 years.
Minor Illnesses that Pharmacists will see:
- Aches and pains including back pain, headaches and period pain
- Accidents including minor cuts and sprains
- Coughs, colds and sore throats
- Ear care including ear wax
- Eye care including conjunctivitis and styes
- Hayfever
- Rashes and skin problems
- Stomach problems including constipation, diarrhoea and indigestion
Other services and advice that pharmacies offer include:
- Contraception including Emergency contraception
- Free BP check
- Chlamydia screening and treatment
- Advice and help on how to stop smoking
- Cholesterol and blood sugar testing
- The substance misuse service
- Advice and help on how to manage your weight
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.
Clinical Waste
Please use the link below for a guide from City of York Council on how to dispose of Clinical and Medical waste:
https://www.york.gov.uk/ClinicalWasteCollection
Electronic Prescription Service
The Electronic Prescription Service allows your prescription to be sent electronically to a pharmacy of your choice.
To sign up, you need to speak to your preferred pharmacy and complete a form to confirm that they can receive your prescription directly.
Once you have signed up, your chosen pharmacy will receive your prescription electronically and you will not have to pick up your paper prescription from us.
If you have already nominated a pharmacy, your prescription will be sent to them electronically unless you tell us otherwise. If you need to obtain a paper prescription for any reason, just let us know at the time of ordering.
This service is optional and you can continue to collect paper prescriptions as you do now, if you prefer.
Electronic Prescription Service (EPS)
The next phase of the Electronic Prescription Service will be enabled at Front Street Surgery on 21 January 2020.
- 2 out of 3 patients on repeat medicines now receive electronic prescriptions. If you haven’t already done so, nominate the pharmacy of your choice to receive your prescriptions electronically.
- Your GP will send a series of repeat prescriptions to your pharmacy in one go, so there is no need for you to order them each time.
- Collecting prescriptions from your pharmacy without having to order them from your GP saves time for you.
- Time saved in practices means more appointments available for patients.
- Electronic prescribing is easier for the NHS to manage so that medicine use stays safe, effective and efficient.
- Processing fewer paper prescriptions helps save NHS funds and helps the environment.
- This is a reliable, secure and confidential NHS service. Unlike paper prescriptions, electronic prescriptions can’t get lost between the doctor and the pharmacy.