Policy statement
Due to an increasing number of requests for urgent repeat prescriptions, we have reviewed our safety protocols. Requests for prescriptions outside the normal timeframe impact significantly on Doctor and staff time, reducing availability for clinically unwell patients and increasing the risk of prescribing errors.
Standard prescription protocol
Timeframe: We require up to 5 full working days to process standard repeat prescriptions.
Responsibility: It is the patient’s responsibility to ensure medication is ordered in plenty of time (we recommend ordering 10 days in advance).
Urgent prescription requests
We have a strict policy for issuing acute (urgent) prescriptions. An “urgent” request is defined as a medication where missing a dose would cause immediate harm to your health.
How to make an urgent request
- No Telephone Requests: Reception cannot process urgent prescription requests over the phone.
- Attend in Person: You must attend the surgery reception.
- Complete a Form: You will be required to complete an Urgent Medication Request Form detailing the reason for urgency.
The “3-Month Rule”: If the medication has not been prescribed to you in the last 3 months, it will not be issued urgently. You must book a GP or clinical pharmacist appointment (depending on the nature of the medication) to review your condition.
Medications considered for urgent issue
The following medications are generally considered clinically urgent. However, issuance is always subject to the Doctor’s discretion on the day:
- Reliever Asthma Inhalers (e.g., Salbutamol)
- Insulin & Diabetes Supplies
- Anaphylaxis Medication (EpiPen, Jext, Emerade)
- Anticoagulants/Blood Thinners (Warfarin, Apixaban, Rivaroxaban)
- Anti-Epileptics (Epilepsy medication)
- Mental Health Medication (Antipsychotics, Lithium)
- Heart Medication (GTN Spray, Digoxin, Amiodarone)
- Palliative Care Medication
- Steroids (Long term)
- Anti-Parkinson’s Drugs
It is important to note that not all medications within these categories are considered time-critical.
Medications that will not be issued urgently
We will not issue urgent prescriptions for:
- Items purchasable over the counter (Paracetamol, Ibuprofen, Emollients) or available to obtain from a pharmacy under different schemes , i.e, contraceptives, medication to delay periods.
- Nutritional supplements, Vitamins, Iron.
- Statins (Cholesterol medication).
- Sleeping tablets.
- Erectile dysfunction medication.
- Prescriptions following hospital discharge (these should be provided by the hospital).
- Controlled drugs.
- Note: rescue packs not considered urgent, if needed for acute exacerbation then to go to on-call GP.
The outcome
All requests are clinically assessed. The outcome will depend on clinical risk:
Clinically Urgent: The prescription will be ready by 6:00 PM that day.
Clinically Necessary (Non-Urgent): If the Doctor determines you cannot wait the full 5 days but do not need it today, it will be processed within 2 working days.
Routine: If the medication can be safely missed for a few days, it will be processed following the normal repeat prescription process (up to 5 working days).
Emergency supply
If we are closed or cannot issue the item, your local pharmacy may be able to provide a short “Emergency Supply” (at their discretion/cost), or you can contact NHS 111 (www.111.nhs.uk/emergency-prescription).
Please respect our staff
Our reception and administrative staff are always to follow this policy and they are not authorised to make any exceptions.
This policy is put in place to protect our patients and our staff, and we will not tolerate any abuse to or of our staff as they are following policy.