Due to an increasing number of requests for repeat prescriptions to be issued urgently, we have had to review how we handle these requests in order to provide safe and consistent service to all our patients. Requests for prescriptions outside the normal prescription protocol impacts significantly on both doctor and administration staff time.

If you ask for an urgent repeat prescription, you will need to give the reason for your request. You may also be required to contact the police, in some cases, if the medication has been lost and it is a controlled drug and also provide a crime number.  The majority of hospital prescriptions are non-urgent and will also be processed through the normal prescription process.

Many medications can safely be missed for a few days. We will not issue urgent prescriptions for items that can be bought over the counter or for non-essential medication and you may be informed that your medication will be processed following the normal repeat prescription process. If your medication cannot be missed, the item will be issued as required. You must have a nominated pharmacy so that your prescription can be sent electronically.

Please make sure you request any medication before you run out: prescriptions take up to three working days to process – prescriptions handed in on Friday may not be ready until Tuesday. Each time you request a repeat prescription, your prescription will be electronically sent to your nominated pharmacy. You can also order your repeat prescription online, any time day or night, if you register for our online service. Please note that Electronic Prescriptions still require three working days to be processed.

Urgent Requests

If, after reading the policy above, you still feel you need to make an Urgent Repeat Prescription Request, you will need to visit our West Common Lane Surgery on Dorchester Road or our West Common Lane surgery in The Ashby Clinic, in person (we will not accept urgent requests by phone or email). The request will be sent to the Doctor who will make a decision on the clinical urgency. Repeated inappropriate requests may result in future requests being declined and then treated as routine (available within 3 working days).