Prescriptions at Bideford Medical Centre

How to order a repeat prescription

You can get a prescription online. Use our online system to order a repeat prescription. You will need to choose a pharmacy to prepare your prescription and collect your medication from.

You will also need:

• An online account.
• The name of the medication and dosage.
• To be at least 17-years old.

Nominating a pharmacy

When you order a repeat prescription online, you will have to nominate a pharmacy to prepare your prescription and for you to pick it up from.

You can nominate a pharmacy by using the NHS App or logging into the NHS website using a web browser. A high street pharmacy is where you collect your prescriptions in person. If you have chosen an online-only pharmacy, then they will send your prescription in the post.

If you order your prescription online:

• You will no longer need to collect paper prescriptions from our surgery.
• Your nominated pharmacy will have your prescriptions ready to collect until you change or remove them.

For more information about nominating a pharmacy, visit the Nominate a Pharmacy page on the NHS website.

Your local pharmacy's details

Our local pharmacists are able to assess you if you have the ‘flu, a sore throat, a cough, sinusitis or other similar symptoms. If they feel you need to see a GP they will let you know. Other local pharmacies may offer a similar service.

How your pharmacy can help

Pharmacies offer a wide range of services that can answer your immediate medical needs.  Pharmacists are qualified healthcare professionals who can help you with minor health concerns. They can offer medical advice and over-the-counter medicines for minor illnesses like coughs, colds, tummy problems and aches and pains, as well as:

You don't need to make an appointment, so a visit to the pharmacy can often save you a wait for a GP appointment.

• Help you with insulin pen problems or emergency supplies of regular medications.

• Advise on medications including recommendations, advice on side effects (including for prescription medications).

• Review existing prescribed medications. 

• Advise on which medications (including over-the-counter or herbal remedies) can be safely be taken together.

• Manage repeat prescriptions.

• If you need late, Sunday or bank Holiday opening times call NHS 111 or search "pharmacies" at www.nhs.uk

For symptoms that are more serious, we suggest visiting your GP or nurse. You can book an appointment by going to our Appointments page

 

Prescription charges

The NHS prescription charges apply to England only.

The Government provides help for those who have difficulty paying NHS prescriptions. You can find out more about whether you’re entitled to support from the Government on the NHS Prescription charges page on the NHS website.

More information and advice about NHS England prescription charges are on the Who can get a free prescription page on the NHS website.

Questions about your prescription

We are available to help with any problems about your prescription. Contact us if you are having problems with:

• Ordering repeat prescriptions
• Your pharmacy
• Out of stock items
• General concerns about your medication.

You can contact us by calling us on 01237 476363

You can also find more information about prescriptions on the NHS website.

Over The Counter Medication:

​Our clinicians will not generally give you a prescription for over-the-counter medicines for a range of minor health concerns, even if you qualify for free prescriptions.

Instead, over the counter medicines are available to buy in a pharmacy or supermarket. The team of health professionals at your local pharmacy can offer help and clinical advice to manage minor health concerns and if your symptoms suggest it’s more serious, they’ll ensure you get the care you need. Please help the NHS to use resources sensibly.

Electronic repeat dispensing (batch prescriptions)

​If you use the same medicines regularly, you or someone you care for may be able to benefit from electronic repeat prescriptions. This means you won't have to re-order or collect your repeat prescriptions from your GP practice every time you need more medicine.

For more information please click here.

Useful Information

NHS Hormone Replacement Therapy Prescription Prepayment Certificate (HRT PPC)

If you pay for NHS prescribed HRT medicine 3 or more times in 12 months, an HRT PPC could save you money.

The HRT PPC covers an unlimited number of certain HRT medicines for 12 months, regardless of why they are prescribed.

The HRT PPC does not cover all HRT medicines. Check if it covers your HRT medicine.

If your HRT medicine is not covered, or you also get prescriptions for items other than HRT medicine, you may save more with a 3 or 12 month PPC that covers all NHS prescriptions.

​Before buying an HRT PPC, check if you’re entitled to free NHS prescriptions and other help with health costs using the eligibility checker.

Pharmacy First

Pharmacists can suggest treatments that do not need a prescription for a range of conditions.

​Most pharmacies can also offer prescription medicine for some conditions, without you needing to see a GP or make an appointment. This is called Pharmacy First. More information can be found here.