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REPEAT PRESCRIPTIONS AND PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS
Repeat Prescriptions
Patients on regular medication may receive computerised repeat prescription forms. You will need to notify the surgery in plenty of time when your course of medication is nearly finished so that another prescription can be authorised. There are several ways you can notify us but they must all be in writing:
• By post - send either the green repeat form (which is attached to your previous prescription) clearly marked with the items you require or a letter (which clearly shows your name, address, date of birth and the medication required) to the surgery address.
• By fax - send either the green repeat form (which is attached to your previous prescription) clearly marked with the items you require or a letter (clearly showing your name, address, date of birth and the medication required) marked for the attention of 'repeat prescriptions' to our fax number (0118) 973 3689
• By hand - send either the green repeat form (which is attached to your previous prescription) clearly marked with the items you require or a letter (clearly showing your name, address, date of birth and the medication required) in an envelope marked for the attention of 'repeat prescriptions' and place it in the green box at the dispensary counter. When the surgery is closed please use the letterbox situated at the front of the surgery near the main entrance.
• By e-mail - The text of your e-mail must clearly show your name, patient number, date of birth and the medication required, the subject title must read 'repeat prescriptions'. Then send it to: prescription.finchampstead@nhs.net
You should note that we do not accept any requests over the phone. This is because of potential inaccuracies and resultant risk to patient safety.
Please strictly allow two full working days before collecting a paper prescription or a dispensed prescription.
Please avoid leaving it to the last minute to order your medication. This creates an unnecessary additional workload for the dispensers and it is an unreasonable expectation that your prescription should be actioned ahead of those patients who have allowed for the correct period of time.
Patients should be aware that the dispensary is busiest on Mondays and Fridays and on the days before bank holidays. If you are going away please plan ahead and give the dispensary a suitable amount of time to prepare your items. The team are here to help you manage your medications as best as possible.
Private Prescriptions
Patients who see a consultant or specialist privately (i.e. not via an NHS referral) are advised that under prescribing regulations set out by NHS Berkshire West, they are liable for the full cost of the first initial prescription and any medication issued by the private specialist/consultant. It is only at the point when you are reviewed by the GP, for the medication issued by the private consultant/specialist that any subsequent medications are entitled to be made as NHS prescriptions.
Private prescriptions will also be issued for certain travel vaccination requirements and non NHS funded medications.
It is practice policy to charge for each private prescription item issued. This relates to the expert medical opinion and responsibilities of the doctor and for the administration involved. The cost of the medication is separate. You may purchase certain private medications from the dispensary. All payments should be made by debit/credit card, please note we do not accept cheques.
OBTAINING YOUR PRESCRIBED MEDICATION
If your doctor is of the opinion that you require medication for treatment of a particular symptom or condition they will issue you with a prescription. There are two ways in which you can obtain your prescribed medication:
If you live within one mile (as the crow flies) of a pharmacy, the doctor will print a prescription and give it to you to take to any pharmacy of your choice. The pharmacist will then issue you the medication.
or
If you live more than a mile (as the crow flies) from a pharmacy then you are entitled to use the full dispensing services of the surgery dispensary. AT THE END OF YOUR VISIT TO THE DOCTOR, call at the dispensary counter for your prescription. A member of the dispensary team will then prepare your prescription for you to take away.
Please remember there is an NHS prescription charge to be paid unless you meet certain exemption criteria. All payments for this charge must be made at the dispensary and should be by debit/credit card, we do not accept cheques.
THE DISPENSARY
We have a very knowledgeable and experienced team of qualified dispensers who can assist with many of your medication queries. Their role is not only to dispense medication to our patients who are entitled to use this service but also provide advice on the dose, frequency, beneficial effects and any known side effects of the medication you have been prescribed. Often names and appearances of medications change and your doctor may alter your medication for the benefit of your health; the dispensing team will answer any questions you have about your prescription. The team can also advise you as to when you may need a medication review. You must attend your review on a regular basis otherwise you may be compromising your health by continuing to take inappropriate medication.
Please respect another patient’s confidentiality by standing back from the counter when another patient is being served. Please also be aware that we do not find it acceptable for patients to lean forward over the counter into the dispensary area. The dispensary is open Monday to Friday 8.30am - 1.00pm and 2.30 - 6.30pm.
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