Please allow at least 3 clear working days, before you need your medication to allow us to process the prescription; note that requests submitted on a Friday will not be available until the following Wednesday. Please remember that it is your own responsibility to ensure that you get your medication ordered in good time. Prescription requests must be ordered in writing. We cannot take prescription requests over the phone, the phone line is a dedicated phone line for prescription queries only.
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 Services
- using the repeat prescription request online form
- by post
Why We Don’t Usually Prescribe Over-the-Counter Medicines
We follow national NHS England guidance on over-the-counter medicines. This means we will not routinely prescribe medicines for minor or self-limiting conditions that you can safely manage yourself or buy from a pharmacy or supermarket.
Why is this important?
- Most minor illnesses get better on their own with simple self-care.
- It frees up GP appointments for people who really need them.
- It helps the NHS use its resources wisely.
What conditions does this apply to?
Common examples include:
- Coughs, colds, sore throats and nasal congestion
- Mild pain, headaches, aches, sprains or period pain
- Indigestion and heartburn
- Diarrhoea or infrequent constipation
- Hay fever and mild allergies
- Mild dry skin, dandruff or mild irritant dermatitis
- Earwax, dry/sore eyes, mouth ulcers
- Insect bites, minor burns/scalds, sunburn and sun protection
- Head lice, threadworms, warts and verrucae
- Teething/mild toothache, nappy rash, cradle cap
- Travel sickness, mild acne, athlete’s foot/ringworm
Vitamins, minerals and probiotics are also not routinely prescribed unless you have a diagnosed deficiency or specific medical need.
What should I do instead?
- Speak to your pharmacist first — Pharmacists are experts in minor ailments and can recommend suitable over-the-counter treatments. Many pharmacies now offer the NHS Pharmacy First service for certain conditions.
- Look after yourself at home with rest, fluids, and simple remedies (e.g., paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain/fever).
- Keep a basic medicine cabinet at home with essentials like painkillers, antihistamines, indigestion remedies and first-aid items.
Important exceptions
We can still prescribe if:
- Your symptoms are severe, long-term, or part of a more complex medical condition.
- You have a red-flag symptom that needs urgent attention.
- Self-care is not suitable due to your age, pregnancy, other health conditions, or vulnerability.
Useful links and resources
Click here to Download self-care leaflet
Click here to Download Prescribing of over the counter medicines leaflet
Collecting your prescription
You can usually collect your prescription 3 working days after you have ordered it.
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 any pharmacy that accepts repeat prescriptions
If the item you have requested has not been reviewed it might take a little longer to be authorised as it will have to be reviewed by a clinical professional.
Please note acute prescriptions requests will not be accepted through any pharmacy. Many thanks for your understanding.
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:
- phone the surgery on 020 8854 0356
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 such as:
- coughs
- colds
- sore throats
- tummy trouble
- aches and pains
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.