Ordering repeat prescriptions
The easiest ways to order repeat prescriptions are:
- using your NHS account (through the NHS website or in the NHS App)
- using the GP online system: SystmOnline
These accounts show you all your repeat medicine and dosage and you can choose the ones you need.
We do not take repeat prescription requests over the phone or email.
Prescription Medicines Order Line
The Medicine Order Line (MOL) is a convenient way to order your prescriptions via a dedicated phone line where you will speak to an experienced Medicine Order Line Operative.
The MOL is one of many ways for you to order your prescriptions. Our aim is to ensure patients are using a service that most suits them. Alternative ordering methods include:
Contact the Medicines Order line on 01158 550 260, Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm when you need to request repeat medication.
You can order your prescriptions by emailing the MOL with your name, date of birth, GP surgery and phone number, one of the MOL operators will call you back within 48 hours to process the prescription request ddccg.southmolonlinerequests@nhs.net for those who would normally call the 0115 number.
- Prescription medicines order line leaflet (PDF)
- Prescription medicines order line opening times notice (PDF)
Collecting your prescription
You can usually collect your prescription 2 working days after you have ordered it.
You will need to choose a pharmacy to collect your prescription from. We call this nominating a pharmacy.
You can change your nominated pharmacy at any time:
- on the app or website where you order repeat prescriptions
- fill out a nominate a pharmacy form
- at any pharmacy that accepts repeat prescriptions
- For requests received before midday please allow 48 hours for your prescription request to be managed
- For request received after midday please allow 48 hours for your prescription to be managed
We currently receive over 100 prescriptions requests each day so it is imperative you use the above time frames to order your repeat prescription before you run out
If the repeat prescription is authorised then the prescription is sent to a doctor so the prescription can be checked and signed. In the majority of cases this is done electronically. Once signed the prescription can be either picked up by your preferred pharmacy, sent electronically to your preferred pharmacy or collected at the surgery (If you have someone collecting your prescription on your behalf at the surgery they will be required to provide details of your full name, address and date of birth in order to obtain your prescription, this is for security purposes).
If your prescription is not authorised it will require further review by our doctors or clinical pharmacists to make sure that the medicines you have requested can be issued safely. You may be asked to make an appointment for a review of your medication before it can be issued.
Electronic Prescription Service
What does this mean for you?
If you collect your repeat prescriptions from your GP you will not have to visit your GP practice to pick up your paper prescription. Instead, your GP will send it electronically to the place you choose, saving you time.
You will have more choice about where to get your medicines from because they can be collected from a pharmacy near to where you live, work or shop.
You may not have to wait as long at the pharmacy as there will be time for your repeat prescriptions to be ready before you arrive.
Is this service right for you?
Yes, if you have a stable condition and you:
- Don’t want to go to your GP practice every time to collect your repeat prescription
- Collect your medicines from the same place most of the time or use a prescription collection service now
It may not be if you:
- Don’t get prescriptions very often
- Pick up your medicines from different places
How can you use EPS?
You need to choose a place for your GP practice to electronically send your prescription to. This is called nomination. You can choose:
- A pharmacy
- A dispensing appliance contractor (if you use one)
Ask any pharmacy or dispensing appliance contractor that offers EPS or your GP practice to add your nomination for you. You don’t need a computer to do this.
Can I change my nomination or cancel it and get a paper prescription?
Yes you can. If you don’t want your prescription to be sent electronically tell your GP. If you want to change or cancel your nomination speak to any pharmacist or dispensing appliance contractor that offers EPS, or your GP practice. Tell them before your next prescription is due or your prescription may be sent to the wrong place.
Is EPS reliable, secure and confidential?
Yes. Your electronic prescription will be seen by the same people in GP practices, pharmacies and NHS prescription payment and fraud agencies that see your paper prescription now.
Sometimes dispensers may see that you have nominated another dispenser. For example, if you forget who you have nominated and ask them to check or, if you have nominated more than one dispenser. Dispensers will also see all the items on your reorder slip if you are on repeat prescriptions.
If you are unhappy with your experience of nomination
You can complain to the pharmacy, dispensing appliance contractor (DAC) or GP practice. You can also complain to Derby and Derbyshire CCG if your complaint cannot be resolved.
For more information visit www.hscic.gov.uk, your pharmacy or GP practice.
Questions about your prescription
If you have questions about your medicine, your local pharmacists can answer these. They can also answer questions on medicines you can buy without a prescription.
The NHS website has information on how your medicine works, how and when to take it, possible side effects and answers to your common questions.
If you would like to speak to someone at the GP surgery about your prescription:
- fill out an ask a prescription question form
Medication reviews
If you have a repeat prescription, we may ask you to come in for a regular review. We will be in touch when you need to come in for a review.
Prescription charges
Find out more about prescription charges.
What to do with old medicines
Take it to the pharmacy you got it from. We do not take old medication, however we can take sharps bins at the practice. Do not put it in your household bin or flush it down the toilet.
About pharmacists
As qualified healthcare professionals, pharmacists can offer advice on minor illnesses such as:
- coughs
- colds
- sore throats
- tummy trouble
- aches and pains
They can also advise on medicine that you can buy without a prescription.
Many pharmacies are open until late and at weekends. You do not need an appointment.
Most pharmacies have a private room where you can discuss issues with pharmacy staff.