Repeat Prescriptions

If you are on regular treatment, a request for repeat prescriptions can be made by bringing in or sending by post the computer printed counterfoil, or completing the repeat prescription request form obtainable at the surgery. If you wish the prescription to be posted, please enclose a stamped, addressed envelope.

Alternatively you may order online via the link at the top of this page. New users are required to complete a simple registration prior to using this service.

Please do not request repeat prescriptions by telephone.

Dispensing

The practice is able to dispense medication for patients who live more than one mile from the nearest chemist. Medication can be collected from our dispensary following consultation with the doctor.

We are sorry but, in order to ensure that we are able to maintain the current level of turnaround, the dispensary will no longer be open during extended hours. 

This will take effect from Monday 8th January 2018.  It will be open daily from 8.00am until 6.30pm. 

We will also be closing every Thursday between 2.00pm - 4.00pm from 1.12.2017

URGENT PRESCRIPTION REQUEST CHANGE

Due to an increase in the amount of URGENT requests for normal repeat medication, and the increased pressure this creates for Clinicians, Prescribing Administrators and our Dispensary team, as of the 1^st September 2017 any urgent prescriptions requested will now only be given ONE week’s supply of medication.

ALL ROUTINE PRESCRIPTIONS are processed within two working days from the initial request being submitted, but this does not mean they will have been dispensed within this time.  Please allow an additional 24 hours if you are a dispensing patient. Before submitting an URGENT request please ensure that it is, in fact, URGENT as our new policy may cause you additional costs if you are only being given one week’s supply. There will be no exceptions. You will still need to request your routine prescription in the usual manner. 

Many Thanks

Ongar Health Centre  

Medication Reviews

Patients on repeat medication will be asked to see a doctor, nurse practitioner or practice nurse at least once a year to review these regular medications and notification should appear on your repeat slip. Please ensure that you book an appropriate appointment to avoid unnecessary delays to further prescriptions.

Please allow two full working days for prescriptions to be processed and remember to take weekends and bank holidays into account.

There are a number of items which GPs are no longer allowed to prescribe as these can be bought over the counter (OTC).  The link below provides more information

https://www.england.nhs.uk/medicines/conditions-for-which-over-the-counter-items-should-not-routinely-be-prescribed/conditions-for-which-over-the-counter-items-should-not-routinely-be-prescribed-in-primary-care-implementation-resources/

Dispensary

We have provision to dispense to patients who live outside the town boundaries. The health service regulations on this matter are very strict and this service can only be offered to those patients who register as dispensing patients when they join the practice or when they move house. For further information, please telephone the surgery and a member of our dispensary staff will be pleased to answer your enquiries.

Dispensing

The practice is able to dispense medication for patients who live more than one mile from the nearest chemist. Medication can be collected from our dispensary following consultation with the doctor.

We are sorry but, in order to ensure that we are able to maintain the current level of turnaround, the dispensary will no longer be open during extended hours. 

This will take effect from Monday 8th January 2018.  It will be open daily from 8.00am until 6.30pm. 

We will also be closing every Thursday between 2.00pm - 4.00pm from 1.12.2017

How Your Pharmacist Can Help

Your pharmacist is there to advise you about medicines, common ailments and are able to tell you when you need to see a doctor.

If you...

• need help choosing the right medicine
• are not sure what is causing a problem or what to do about it
• are unsure whether you need to see a doctor
• want advice on how to stay healthy

...go and see your pharmacist.

To help your pharmacist help you, keep to the same pharmacy. That way they will get to know you and you will get to know the pharmacist and staff.

To get advice over the phone and find out about opening times, keep the pharmacy telephone number in a safe place.

Always tell your pharmacist if you are taking other medicines.

If you ask for a medicine, you may be asked a few questions to check that a particular medicine is suitable. BE SURE TO GIVE ALL THE INFORMATION REQUIRED.

With the specialist advice available from your pharmacist, you can treat yourself and save yourself time and inconvenience.

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.

NHS charges

These charges apply in England only. In Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales prescriptions are free of charge.

• Prescription (per item): £8.60
• 12-month prepayment certificate (PPC): £104.00
• 3-month PPC: £29.10

If you will have to pay for four or more prescription items in three months, or more than 15 items in 12 months, you may find it cheaper to buy a PPC.

• Telephone advice and order line 0845 850 0030
• General Public - Buy or Renew a PPC On-line

There is further information about prescription exemptions and fees on the NHS website

Please allow 48 hours, excluding weekends and Bank Holidays, for your request to be processed. Any problems please telephone the surgery.

URGENT PRESCRIPTION REQUEST CHANGE

Due to an increase in the amount of URGENT requests for normal repeat medication, and the increased pressure this creates for Clinicians, Prescribing Administrators and our Dispensary team, as of the 1^st September 2017 any urgent prescriptions requested will now only be given ONE week’s supply of medication.

ALL ROUTINE PRESCRIPTIONS are processed within two working days from the initial request being submitted, but this does not mean they will have been dispensed within this time.  Please allow an additional 24 hours if you are a dispensing patient. Before submitting an URGENT request please ensure that it is, in fact, URGENT as our new policy may cause you additional costs if you are only being given one week’s supply. There will be no exceptions. You will still need to request your routine prescription in the usual manner. 

Many Thanks

Ongar Health Centre