Prescriptions at Castle Gardens Surgery
You can order an NHS repeat prescription from your pharmacy by using our online system.
Find out how to get a repeat prescription online, how much prescriptions cost and how your local pharmacist can help you without having to see your GP.
We do NOT accept prescription requests over the phone.
Notice
It is our normal practice to dispense 28 days worth of medication for repeat prescriptions.
Emergency prescription requests
Emergency prescription requests are for medication needed within 24 hours to prevent serious harm to your health (e.g. insulin, epilepsy medication, inhalers, emergency contraception, or EpiPens).
- Requests must be submitted before 12:00 for same-day collection at 17:30
- Requests received after 12:00 will be processed the next working day
Please note that some medications need to be specially ordered, which may delay availability. This should be considered when requesting medication urgently.
Emergency requests should not be used for medications ordered late. Routine requests marked as urgent will be assessed by a clinician and may be declined or only partially approved.
All emergency requests are monitored. If urgent requests are made repeatedly, the practice may contact you to provide support with managing your medication.
Please allow 7 working days for routine repeat prescriptions and ensure requests are made in good time.
Exemptions from Prescription Charges
You may be entitled to free NHS prescriptions if you meet any of the following criteria:
- Under 16 years of age
- Aged 60 or over
- Aged 16–18 and in full-time education
- Pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months
- Have certain specified medical conditions
- Receive qualifying benefits or have a low income
Applying for an Exemption
To apply for a prescription charge exemption, download and complete the FP92A application form
FP92A Form – Download and complete this application form for prescription charge exemption.
There is further information about prescription exemptions and fees on the NHS website.
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.
HRT Prepayment Certificates
The cost of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been recognised by the Government, and women can now apply for a dedicated HRT Prescription Prepayment Certificate.
From 1 April, this certificate allows you to access your HRT medication for a fixed annual cost of £19.30.
To use this scheme, your HRT prescription must be issued separately from any other medications. Your prescriber will arrange this for you.
To apply, please visit the NHS website:
Your local pharmacy's details
This is the local pharmacy we use at Castle Gardens Surgery
Dispensary
The Dispensary is open for ordering and collection of medicines from 08:30 to 12:00 and from 14:00 to 18:00.
How your pharmacy can help you
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.
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 charge is a standard, flat-rate fee set by the Government. It represents a contribution towards the cost of medicines for those who are able to pay.
- Current prescription charge (per item): £9.90
Save Money with a Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC)
If you require multiple medications, a Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC) may offer significant savings.
- Four or more items within three months, or
- More than 15 items within 12 months
A PPC allows you to pay a set fee for unlimited prescriptions within a specified period.
More information and advice about NHS England prescription charges are on the Who can get free prescription page on the NHS website.
Queries 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 the surgery at 01805 623222.
You can also find more information about prescriptions on the NHS website.
What is a repeat Prescription
A repeat prescription is medication your doctor has approved for you to receive regularly without needing an appointment each time.
These prescriptions are usually authorised for 6 to 12 months, depending on the type of medication and your doctor’s clinical judgement.
How do I get my Prescription
Your doctor will usually give you your first prescription which will have 2 parts. The GREEN slip is the actual prescription which you give to the pharmacist to obtain your medication. The WHITE side shows the list of drugs that you can order as repeat issues. We also call this the repeat re-order form. Please keep this as you need it to order more medication.
To order more medication:
Please mark only those items that you need by ticking each item on the WHITE SLIP within 7 days of running out. Please do not tick items that you do not need.
Then either:
You can return your completed white slip by posting it in the red box, located in the foyer opposite the reception hatch, or by handing it in at your usual pharmacy where you collect your prescriptions.
or:
you may order your medicines online (see below for further information).
Please give the Practice at least seven working days before collection.
If you live in the town, medication can be collected from the chemist in Torrington. If you are a country patient (i.e. you live more than a mile from Torrington) your prescription will be prepared for you at our dispensary.
Those on repeat prescriptions will be required to see their doctor from time to time and may be asked for the number on their repeat prescription slip when making the request.
The dispensary is open Monday to Friday 8.30am – 12 noon and 2.00 – 6.00pm.