Repeat prescriptions? Only order what you need
If you have enough medicine at home, there’s no need to order now – you can request more in future.
Around 1.4 million medicine items are wasted unnecessarily in Gloucestershire each year. This has an impact on patient safety, drug supply chains, staff time, and environmental pollution/carbon emissions.
The NHS in Gloucestershire is urging people not to stockpile medicines and “Only Order What You Need” to reduce waste.
Please see the “Only Order What You Need” website for further information.
Ordering repeat prescriptions
The easiest ways to order repeat prescriptions are:
- using your NHS account (through the NHS website or in the NHS App)
- using the GP online system: Patient Access
- repeat slip – tick the boxes of the medication you require on the green slip that you receive with your repeat medication and either post or put in the box at the dispensary hatch
- fill out a repeat prescriptions request form. Also available at the dispensary hatch, just post it in the box
Repeat prescriptions for regular medication can be obtained without seeing the doctors, providing it has been agreed by them.
When you collect your medication, you will be given a printout of your regular repeat prescriptions to assist you when re-ordering. Please retain this list for future orders.
Collecting your prescription
We require 3 working days notice for repeat medication, as we only hold limited stocks on our shelves and usually have to order for delivery the following 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
- fill out a nominate a pharmacy or other dispenser form
- at any pharmacy that accepts repeat prescriptions
Rendcomb dispensary
We can dispense medication to the majority of our patients who live more than one mile from a pharmacy. If you are unsure if you are eligible to collect medication from our dispensary please ask a member of staff.
Opening times
Monday, 8:30am to 6:30pm
Tuesday, 8:30am to 5pm
Wednesday, 8:30am to 5pm
Thursday, 8:30am to 6:30pm
Friday, 8:30am to 5pm
Patients who collect medication at the practice
When collecting prescriptions please use the new entrance to the right of the building.
There is also an internal door from the main building for those who have seen the doctor and need to collect urgent medication.
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.
Go to Medicines A to Z (nhs.uk)
If you would like to speak to someone at the GP surgery about your prescription:
- fill out an ask a prescription question form
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 for those over 1 year old, including:
- coughs and colds
- sore throats
- ear ache
- hayfever
- stings
- tummy problems
- cold sores and mouth ulcers
- skin problems
- aches and pains
- urinary tract infections and thrush (if aged 16 – 65 years)
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 room where you can discuss issues with pharmacy staff.