Prescriptions

You can request repeat prescriptions in three ways:
1. By post
2. Online via Patient Services or the NHS App
3. In person

Please submit your request prior to 10:30am and allow TWO FULL WORKING DAYS for your prescription to be processed and remember to take weekends and Bank Holidays into account. To reduce the risk of errors we are unable to accept requests over the telephone.

Requesting medication early: should you need to request your repeat prescription more than a week before it is due please add a note to advise why. We cannot process early requests without an explanation.

Almost all NHS prescriptions at Essex House are now sent electronically to a pharmacy of your choice. This saves your time, your pharmacist’s time and the time of practice staff too. It should also prevent errors and streamline the whole process for us all.

If you have already nominated your chosen pharmacy you need to take no further action, and everything will continue as normal.

Did you know that you can also order most prescriptions electronically using Patient Access or the NHS App?

If you have not yet chosen a pharmacy, you need to give us your nomination as soon as you can. The quickest and simplest methods are either to call reception on 020 8876 1033 or to send an email to : swlccg.essexhouseenquiries@nhs.net

Please note that private prescriptions, specially ordered items, and some controlled drugs given in instalments, cannot be issued electronically, you will need to contact us in these instances. (see above details)

Hospital Prescriptions

NHS Prescriptions issued by hospitals are ONLY VALID in the hospital pharmacy. Requests for private prescriptions or NHS hospital prescriptions to be issued from the practice need to be individually assessed by the responsible doctor. This may result in a delay and could also lead to issuing of an alternative medication. Sometimes requests of this nature may need to be declined.

Unused Medications

Help us to reduce medicine waste in Richmond

Unused medicines kept at home can be a health risk and should be returned to a pharmacist. Please tell your local pharmacist or GP if you have stopped taking your medication. When ordering a repeat prescription please ensure that you only tick the medications on the form that you currently need, and ensure your pharmacist does not give you medication unless you have asked for them.

Prescriptions Charges and Exemptions

Extensive exemption and remission arrangements protect those likely to have difficulty in paying charges (NHS prescription and dental charges, optical and hospital travel costs).

The NHS prescription charge is a flat-rate amount which successive Governments have thought it reasonable to charge for those who can afford to pay for their medicines. Prescription prepayment certificates (PPCs) offer real savings for people who need extensive medication.

Prescriptions Charges and Exemptions

Extensive exemption and remission arrangements protect those likely to have difficulty in paying charges (NHS prescription and dental charges, optical and hospital travel costs).

You can buy prescription prepayment certificates (PPCs) from the NHS which may make your prescriptions cheaper. For details of whether a prepayment certificate is suitable for you, and how to apply,visit the Government’s PPC website

You can buy a HRT prescription prepayment certificate (HRT PPC) if you’ve been prescribed an eligible hormone replacement therapy (HRT) medicine. For details of the HRT prepayment certificate and how to apply, vist the Government’s HRT PPC website