Prescriptions

How to Order a Repeat Prescription

a blister pack of medication

Repeat Prescriptions

If you take regular medicine, you do not need to see a doctor every time you need a new supply.

  • Processing time: Please allow 48 hours (2 full working days) before you collect your medicine.

  • Weekends and Bank Holidays: Allow extra time when the surgery is closed.

How to order your medicine

Order online (Fastest)

Using an app or website is the quickest way to request your medicine:

Drop off your paper request

  • Tick the items you need on your repeat prescription slip and drop it off at the surgery. 
  • You can also leave your request slip directly with your chosen pharmacy.  

Please note: We do not take prescription requests over the phone. This keeps patients safe from errors and keeps our phone lines clear for urgent help.

Remember, only order what you need!

Around 1.6 million medicine items are wasted in Dorset each year.  

Check your medicine cupboards at home before you order.  

Only order the items you need right now. Any items you do not order will stay on your list for the future. 

Read more about reducing medicine waste on the NHS Dorset website.

Only order what you need campaign poster

If You Run Out of Medicine Urgently

If you run out of essential medicine while the surgery is closed, a pharmacy may be able to help you right away:  

  1. Call your usual pharmacy to see if they offer the Urgent Repeat Medicine Service.  
  2. If they do not, call 111 to find a local pharmacy that does.  
  3. Take photo ID and proof of your medicine (such as an empty box with your label on it or your repeat slip) to the pharmacy.  

Note: Pharmacies cannot supply controlled drugs or antibiotics through this urgent service. For these, call 111. 

a post it note with the words don't forget written on it

Prescription Costs and Ways to Save

Many people in England receive free NHS prescriptions. You may be eligible for free prescriptions based on your age, income, or medical condition.

Prescription Prepayment Certificates (PPC) If you pay for multiple prescriptions, a prepayment certificate could save you money:

  • Standard PPC: Pay a set fee to cover all your prescriptions for 3 or 12 months.

  • HRT PPC: A one-off payment of £19.80 covers 12 months of qualifying Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) medicines.

  • Buy or check PPC options on the NHSBSA website or call 0300 330 1341.

Helpful Medication Information

Electronic Prescription Service (EPS)

 We send all prescriptions straight to your chosen pharmacy electronically. You do not need to collect a paper slip from the surgery.

Hospital Discharge Medicines
  • When you leave hospital, you should receive a 7-day supply of your medicine.
  • As soon as you get home, please contact the surgery to let us know about any new hospital medicines before your 7-day supply runs out.
  • A surgery clinician will check any changes requested by the hospital before issuing a new prescription.
One-Off Medicines (Acute Prescriptions)

Acute prescriptions are medicines you do not take every day and are not on a repeat list.

  • Trial medicines: A doctor may give you a short trial of a new medicine first. You may need a review before it is added to your repeat list.
  • Monitored medicines: Some medicines need close monitoring for your safety (such as antidepressants or controlled medicines). You may need to speak with a doctor before getting a new supply.
Medication Reviews
  • We regularly review your medicines to make sure they are still safe and working well for you.
  • We may invite you for a routine check-up or blood test. 
  • Please make sure you attend these appointments.
Safe Disposal of Medicines and Sharps
  • Take unused, unwanted, or out-of-date medicines to your local pharmacy for safe disposal. Do not put them in your household bin.
  • Tell our reception team if you no longer take a medicine so we can remove it from your record.
  • Sharps bins: You must date and sign your sharps box when you open it and when you close it before returning it to the surgery.  
Antibiotics

Antibiotics only treat bacterial infections; they do not work on viruses like colds or flu. Your doctor will only prescribe antibiotics when you clinically need them to keep them working effectively.

Page last reviewed: 28 August 2026
Page created: 26 April 2023