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: SystmOnline
These accounts show you all your repeat medicine and dosage and you can choose the ones you need.
You can also:
- send a request by post
- call at the practice and complete a request slip
If you are a new patient who has not previously received medication from this practice you will need to be seen by a doctor before you can order repeat prescriptions.
Collecting your prescription
You can usually collect your prescription 3 working days after you have ordered it.
Please remember to put in your repeat prescription request early if you need your medication when a bank holiday is coming up.
University Students who are newly registered with the practice should contact the University Health Centre to check if their medication has been authorised before coming to collect their prescription.
The Rowhedge Practice has a small dispensary which allows patients who live in Rowhedge and the surrounding villages to collect their medication directly from the surgery. There are rules which govern which patients we are allowed to dispense medication to. This is determined at national level and is decided according to whether you live within a designated rural area and live more than 1 mile as the crow flies from a pharmacy.
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 the surgery or fill out a nominate a pharmacy or other dispenser form
- at any pharmacy that accepts repeat prescriptions
Change of address
Please let the practice know if you change your address. Failure to do so could lead to you being removed from the practice list by the Health Authority.
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 our pharmacist after 10am on Rowhedge Medical Practice 01206 728585 or Rowhedge & University of Essex 01206 794484
- fill out an ask a prescription question form
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.