Repeat Prescriptions

If you are on repeat medication it will be managed in one of two ways:

1. For medications that fit neatly into 4-week cycles (e.g. aspirin one a day in boxes of 28 tablets) we shall print the prescription or dispense the medicine, as appropriate, in anticipation ready for collection. 
2. For a repeat medication where we cannot anticipate when you will need it (e.g. a cream or painkillers) we shall print/dispense it for you only when you tell us that you need it – but please note that we do require a FULL two working days notice.  You can order in person, by letter, by telephone or via the Internet. 

If you are a patient for whom we are not allowed to dispense you may leave stamped addressed envelopes with us, or use a pharmacy prescription collection service, rather than collect your prescriptions from us direct. 

We shall make out and sign your prescription within 48 hours but please remember that using the post or a courier will add extra time before your medication is available.

If you require a medicine urgently please contact the Surgery. Your request will be dealt with by the Dispensary during its opening hours, and at other times by one of the doctors at the Surgery or at the GP Out-of-Hours Service managed by NHS North Yorkshire and York.

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PLEASE REMEMBER

ALLOW TWO WORKING DAYS BEFORE COLLECTION FOR ALL REQUESTS FOR REPEAT MEDICATION

This applies to both dispensed medicines and prescriptions to be taken to the pharmacist.
 

Dispensing

We are able to dispense medicines for the majority of our patients, but we are not allowed to dispense for patients who live within a mile of a pharmacy as the crow flies.  This applies to all patients living in Thirsk and Sowerby who must take their prescriptions to a pharmacy.

Prescriptions issued by the doctors during surgery consultations are usually dispensed and available within minutes of being handed in at the Dispensary.  But occasionally the doctor has prescribed something special.  When this happens it will be ordered from the wholesaler and is normally available within a day of the prescription being written.

If you do not want or need the medication that the doctor has prescribed please let the doctor or dispenser know.
 

Medication Review

All repeat medication must be reviewed at intervals to ensure that it continues to provide benefit and is not detrimental.  If you are on repeat medication we shall ask you to come in to the Surgery to discuss your medication with the doctor or nurse at regular intervals, usually once every six months or a year.

This may also involve routine blood or other tests, e.g. blood pressure.  Our request to you may come via the dispenser or nurse, on a medication review form or, occasionally by telephone call.

If we telephone and there is an answer phone we shall leave a message requesting that you contact the Surgery.  If you do not want messages left on your answering service please let us know.