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: Patient Access
More information on registering for these services can be found here.
These accounts show you all your repeat medicine and dosage and you can choose the ones you need.
You can also
- Tick the items that you need on your repeat prescription slip. There is a posting box for repeat prescription requests in both surgeries.
- You can post your repeat prescription slip but please allow sufficient time
We do not take repeat prescription requests over the phone or email.
Oak Tree and Pensilva Dispensaries
We provide a dispensing service for patients who live more than one mile from their nearest pharmacy. Both Oak Tree Surgery and Pensilva Health Centre have a dispensary.
Our dispensaries are open from 08:30 to 18:00 Monday to Friday
Oak Tree Pharmacy
We can also offer patients living within a mile from a chemist, a pharmacy service at Oak Tree Surgery.
Find out more about Oak Tree Pharmacy
Collecting your prescription
You can usually collect your prescription 5 working days after you have ordered it.
Text Service – If you collect your medications from either of our dispensaries or our pharmacy and have provided your mobile number, we will send you a text message when your prescription is ready to collect. If you would like to receive a text, please update your contact details here.
Generic medication
A generic drug is the same as a brand named drug in dosage, safety, strength, quality, the way it works, the way it is taken and the way it should be used.
This practice may dispense you a generic medication rather than a particular brand. This will mean that your usual medication may look slightly different or be in slightly different packaging on occasions. Your medication will continue to work in exactly the same way as before.
How to obtain medicines urgently
Urgent requests put a huge burden on our staff and we do not always have the correct item in stock. Please ensure you order your repeat medications in time allowing 5 full working days to be processed.
In hours – We will endeavour to help all patients where possible to fulfil requests.
Out of hours – Medicines are available from the community pharmacies when open. Patients should contact the pharmacies to ascertain whether an emergency supply can be made without a prescription for the medication they require. If a prescription is required, please contact NHS 111.
Medication queries
For any medication queries, please contact the surgery online by submitting a patient triage. If you are unable to use online services please call on 01579 324 252. Please note that our dispensary lines are now open 10am-12pm and 2pm to 4pm.
Please do not call the surgery to enquire if your medication is ready to collect. Text messages will be sent when your medication is ready. If you do not receive text messages, then please collect your medication 7 days after you ordered it.
Please note that unwanted medicines can be returned.
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.
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 dispensary or pharmacy you got it from or bring it in to the surgery. Do not put it in your household bin or flush it down the toilet.
Pharmacy2U
We have recently had a large number of significant events involving the online pharmacy, Pharmacy2U. This is becoming an increasing issue for our dispensing teams to ensure our patients get the correct medications. In order to prevent any serious incidents, we have taken the step to change our policy. We have contacted the local LMC and our ICB regarding this and we will no longer be processing requests direct from Pharmacy2U.
You can still use them as your chosen Pharmacy but you will need to request your medications from us online or in person and we will generate the physical paper script and it will be available for you to collect in person from the surgery and send direct to Pharmacy2U. This will enable the correct medications to be requested for you.
More information on registering for online services can be found here.
Pharmacy First
The new Pharmacy First service, launched 31 January 2024, adds to the existing consultation service and enables community pharmacies to complete episodes of care for 7 common conditions following defined clinical pathways. After a consultation with the pharmacist, the pharmacy will send a notification to the patient’s GP on the same day or on the following working day. The following table shows the 7 conditions pharmacists can manage across various age ranges.
- Acute otitis media – 1 to 17 years of age
- Impetigo – 1 year and over
- Sore Infected insect bites – 1 year and over
- Shingles – 18 years and over
- Sinusitis – 12 years and over
- Sore throat – 5 years and over
- Uncomplicated urinary tract infections – Women 16-64 years
Community pharmacies offer a convenient way to access healthcare that includes support with healthy eating, exercise, stopping smoking, monitoring your blood pressure and contraception. 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.