Please note that we are unable to take prescription requests over the phone.
You can now order your repeat prescription online which many patients find much more convenient. You can download a registration form here to print off and e-mail to us at [email protected] or put in the post box at the main entrance door to Hunter Health Centre:
Repeat prescriptions may be requested online or requests may be deposited in the repeat prescription box at the Practice. It would be of assistance if all repeat prescription items could be ordered at the same time. The prescription takes two working days to process so please do not allow your medicines to run out. Alternatively, you may arrange with the Pharmacy of your choice to deliver the re-order form to the surgery on your behalf. If you wish to use this service, please allow up to three working days for your prescription to be ready. If you prefer you can request a repeat prescription by posting the request together with a stamped addressed envelope – please allow enough time for this.
Please remember it is your responsibility to ensure you order your repeat medication on time, always allow extra time for weekends and public holidays, and also in the event of postal and/or technical problems.
Please do not phone to confirm if your prescription is ready. All repeat medication requests made, are available for collection after three full working days. Non-repeat medication (special) requests are not automatically issued, when you attend to uplift your repeat medication you will be notified if your request has been authorised, if your request has been declined you may require to see your Doctor to further discuss your request. Please do not request Special Request items if using a S.A.E (self addressed envelope) method, as your request may be declined by your Doctor.
- You can order items which are listed on the right hand side of your repeat prescription computer slip. Repeat Prescriptions are issued at 56 day (2 month intervals). If you wish a Special Request item, please state clearly what this is for e.g. hay fever etc, your GP will then decide if a prescription is appropriate.
- We are unable to enter into correspondence over the Internet regarding repeat prescriptions; this is to protect your confidentiality.
- Staff who receive your request have been trained to issue prescriptions but they do not have in depth medical knowledge, so please ensure that you provide as much detail from your repeat prescription as possible.
- The practice cannot be held responsible for any delay of your request, nor any technical failure of the system. It is the patients responsibility to allow enough time when ordering prescriptions.
Hospital Requests
When you are discharged from hospital you should normally receive five days supply of medication.
On receipt of your medication requirements, which will be issued to you by the hospital, please bring this to the surgery or post via S.A.E. before your supply of medication has run out.
Hospital requests for change of medication will be checked by the GP first, and if necessary your Doctor will issue you with a Prescription. The Practice will endeavour to issue you with your prescription on that day, but it cannot be issued until your medical details are checked by the Doctor, your prescription should normally be ready by 4pm on that day, or you may be advised to attend the next day.
The Doctors will review your medication, regularly, which may involve changes to your tablets, in accordance with current health Board policies. Please be reassured that this will not affect your treatment.
Excess quantities of regular repeat prescriptions for holidays for more than three weeks.
A Scottish home and Health Department circular from 1971 clarifies the position on prescribing for patients going abroad for extended periods. It states:-
“If a patient intends to go away for a longer period (than two to three week’s holiday) he/she may not be regarded as a resident of this country and would not be entitled to the benefits of the National Health Service. It may not be in the patient’s best interest for him/her to continue to self-medication over such longer periods. If a patient is going abroad for a long period, he/she should be prescribed sufficient drugs to meet his/her requirements only until such time as he can place himself/herself in the care of a doctor at his/her destination.
Where ongoing medical attention is not necessary, the patient may be given a private prescription.