Prescriptions

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:

  • order through your nominated local pharmacy.
  • bring (or post) the paper form to the surgery, Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 6.30pm
    • If you would like your prescription posted back to you, please enclose a stamped addressed envelope.

All repeat prescriptions need to be requested in writing. We do not take repeat prescription requests over the phone or email.

Collecting your prescription

Please allow 5 working days to process your prescription and to allow your chosen chemist to ensure your medication is ready for collection. Please try not to run out of all your tablets before ordering a new prescription.

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
We are able to dispense medication to some of our patients. This service will mainly be available to residents of Sedgeford and Ringstead and temporary residents. However, if you live more than one mile from the pharmacy in Heacham, please contact reception to determine whether you can avail yourself of this service. Please note that this does not apply to Snettisham or Fring residents.

The dispensary is situated at our Heacham Surgery premises. Opening hours are 9am – 12pm and 2pm – 5pm, Monday to Friday. However, you may be able to collect your prescription outside these hours, but during the practice opening hours.

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.

If you would like to speak to someone at the GP surgery about your prescription:

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.

If you have been advised by the surgery that your medication review is due, please contact reception to make an appointment.

Please ensure that you book an appropriate appointment to avoid unnecessary delays to further prescriptions.

Prescription charges

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.

You can also find out if you are entitled to free prescriptions.

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 consultation room where you can discuss issues with pharmacy staff without being overheard.