Prescriptions

Ordering repeat prescriptions

To order a repeat prescription

• Use your NHS account (on the NHS website or in the NHS app)
  Follow this link to download a leaflet explaining how to order prescriptions through the NHS App. If you require this information in a different format, please contact reception.
• Order through the Medicines Support Department (MSD) by calling 0121 368 0019.

Please do not leave any written requests for repeat items at the surgery, our MSD is now responsible for your requests for repeat medication.

Collecting your prescription

You can usually collect your prescription from the pharmacy 3 to 5 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 your GP practice
• at any pharmacy that accepts repeat prescriptions

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)

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. 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.

• Find a pharmacy (nhs.uk)

Many pharmacies are open until late and at weekends. You do not need an appointment.

Most pharmacies have a private consultation room where you can discuss issues with pharmacy staff without being overheard.

ADHD Referrals, right to choose and private providers

ADHD Medication & Right to Choose: Important Information from Hawkesley Medical Practice.

We’re receiving an increasing number of queries regarding ADHD medication and the NHS Right to Choose pathway, so we’d like to clarify our practice policy.

At Hawkesley Medical practice, we do not enter into agreements with private providers to prescribe medication requested via the Right to Choose pathway. This pathway allows patients diagnosed with a condition in the private sector to choose an NHS provider to receive ongoing care, such as prescriptions.

What is the Right to Choose Pathway?

The Right to Choose gives patients diagnosed privately the option to have their NHS GP take over their shared care agreement for prescribing medication.

Pros of Right to Choose

• Potentially quicker access to medication after a private diagnosis.
• Continued care within the NHS system.

Cons of Right to Choose

• Your NHS GP can choose not to accept the transfer of care and prescribing responsibilities, as is the case at Hawkesley Medical Practice. This is due to factors including capacity, resources, and the GP’s ability to provide safe and effective care based on the information received from other providers.
• Shared care requires clear communication and shared responsibility between the provider and the NHS GP, which can sometimes be complex.

Why doesn’t Hawkesley Medical Practice participate in Right to Choose for ADHD medication?

As we are not commissioned to provide these services, we’ve made this decision to ensure we can continue providing safe and effective care to all our patients. Accepting shared care agreements for privately diagnosed ADHD often requires significant additional resources and administrative work, which impacts our capacity to deliver timely care to our existing patients. We also need to ensure continuity of care and complete medical records, which can be challenging with externally initiated treatments.

We understand this may be frustrating for some patients. If you have been diagnosed with ADHD privately, please discuss your medication needs with your private provider. They can advise on alternative options for accessing prescriptions.

For further information about ADHD services within the NHS, please contact your local Integrated Care Board (ICB) or visit the NHS website.