Prescriptions

Dispensing

We are a dispensing practice and can dispense to all patients who live more than one mile from a pharmacy.

We can dispense private, hospital and dental prescriptions.

We require 5 working days' notice before you can collect your dispensed medication to avoid disappointment and maintain patient safety.  Please bear this time scale in mind when ordering your medication.

Repeat prescription requests received after 1pm will not be processed until the next working day. Please allow 5 working days for prescriptions to be processed. Please also remember to take weekends and bank holidays into account when ordering medications.

Prescription collections are open from 09:00 - 17:00 Monday to Friday.

We thank you for your cooperation.

HOT WEATHER SUMMER 2023

Due to extremely temperatures in the Dispensing Unit, we have decided to close this for the summer months, for the safety of our staff and medications.

If you have received a message that your medication is ready to collect, we would be very grateful if you could come and collect this as soon as possible.  Medication will be available from Dispensary between 9 am and 5 pm.  Please knock on the door and one of our Dispensary Team will assist you.  

Many thanks for your understanding and support. 

 

Repeat Prescriptions

Patients on long-term medication can order prescriptions in the following ways:

  • Online
  • In person - post your prescription slip in the box provided outside the main entrance

Repeat Line Closure

Much Birch Surgery no longer has a repeat request phoneline. Verbal requests will only be accepted in exceptional circumstances.  Please speak to a member of the Reception team or click here for further information on how to set up access to repeat prescriptions online.   

For assistance in setting this up please speak to a member of the Reception team.

prescription

Electronic Prescribing Service

Much Birch Surgery is set up for Electronic Prescription Service (EPS).

This means that for non-dispensing patients, we can electronically send your prescription to your chosen pharmacy directly so you do not have to pick up your paper prescription from the surgery.

To get your prescription sent to your chosen pharmacy please speak to a member of the dispensary team to nominate your chosen pharmacy.

For more information please click here

Medication Reviews

Patients on repeat medication will be asked to speak to a pharmacist or doctor 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.

Prescription Fees

Help with NHS costs

In England, around 90% of prescription items are dispensed free. This includes exemptions from charging for those on low incomes, such as:

  • those on specific benefits or through the NHS Low Income Scheme
  • those who are age exempt
  • those with certain medical conditions
  • More information is available at NHS Choices

NHS Charges

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

  • Prescription (per item): £9.65
  • 12-month prepayment certificate (PPC): £111.60
  • 3-month PPC: £31.25

If you will have to pay for four or more prescription items in three months or more than 14 items in 12 months, you may find it cheaper to buy a PPC.

As of 1st April 2023, the new HRT prescription payment certificate (PCC) is now available and costs £19.30 per year.  This can be used against a list of eligible HRT items, including patches, tablets and topical preparations.  The HRT PCC can be used as many times as needed over 12 months.  Please use this link for more information.

  • 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: https://www.gov.uk/get-a-ppc.