New Automated Prescription Line

Automated Prescription Line

AVAILABLE FROM 20TH NOVEMBER 2023

 To sign up for this service please speak to a member of our reception team. Once enabled, repeats can be requested on the automated number 0115 666 2646.

Please note prescription requests cannot be taken over the main surgery telephone number.

To order your repeat prescription please use one of the following methods.

  1. Via the automated service 0115 666 2646
  2. Online via Systm1 access or NHS App
  3. By posting your current slip to the surgery. Please address to: Prescription Requests, Gladstone House Surgery, Victoria Road Health Centre, Victoria Road, Hartlepool, TS26 8DF
  4. In person by dropping your current repeat slip in the box provided
  5. Via your community pharmacy if you are eligible for Repeat Dispensing Service, please contact your surgery or community pharmacy for details regarding this.

 

Prescription Fees

Help with NHS costs

In England, around 90% of prescription items are dispensed free. This includes exemptions from charging for those on low incomes, such as:

  • those on specific benefits or through the NHS Low Income Scheme
  • those who are age exempt
  • those with certain medical conditions
  • More information is available at NHS Choices

NHS Charges

These charges apply in England only. In Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales prescriptions are free of charge.

  • Prescription (per item): £9.65
  • 12-month prepayment certificate (PPC): £111.60
  • 3-month PPC: £31.25

If you will have to pay for four or more prescription items in three months or more than 14 items in 12 months, you may find it cheaper to buy a PPC.

  • Telephone advice and order line 0845 850 0030
  • General Public - Buy or Renew a PPC On-line

There is further information about prescription exemptions and fees on the NHS website.

Repeat Prescriptions

Patients may order repeat prescriptions:

  • Via the automated service 0115 666 2646
  • By delivering or posting a request
  • By ordering online 

Prescriptions will normally be available within 48 hours and those enclosing S.A.E will be sent by return post.

 

 

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Your responsibilities to us are:

  • To give 48 hours notice when ordering repeat prescriptions.
  • To take medicines as prescribed.
  • Not to expect a prescription every time you visit the doctor.
  • Not to expect a prescription for drugs which are available directly from the chemist.
  • To make an appointment to see the doctor / nurse practitioner after four repeat prescriptions.
  • To make an appointment to see the doctor/nurse for a yearly medication review.

Ready for adventure (travelling)

Travelling Abroad

This policy outlines the procedure for patients travelling abroad for short and long periods of time.

NHS Policy

By law, the NHS ceases to have responsibility for the medical care of patients when they leave the UK.  In addition, GPs are not required by their terms of service to provide prescriptions for the treatment of a condition that is not present and may arise while the patient is abroad.

The NHS does accept responsibility for supplying ongoing medication for temporary periods abroad of up to 3 months. However, if a person is going to be abroad for more than 3 months, then they are only entitled (at NHS expense) to a sufficient supply of regular medication until they get to their destination, where they should then find an alternative supply of that medication.

Patients residing abroad for a period of more than 3 months should be removed from the registered patient list.

Surgery Policy

Travelling out of the country for less than 3 months

For patients who inform us they will be out of the country for less than 3 months, we will provide sufficient medicines for an existing condition (e.g., asthma, diabetes…) for the period while the patient is away where it is safe to do so.  Drugs that require frequent monitoring may not be prescribed where there are safety concerns.  

 

Travelling out of the country for more than 3 months

Patients who inform us they will be leaving the country for more than 3 months will be prescribed sufficient medication to enable them to make alternative arrangements at their destination (up to 3 months’ supply where safe to do so).

They will also be removed from our patient list. We will be pleased to re-register patients on their return to residence in the UK and can reassure patients that their electronic notes are kept on file for reference on their return.

Patients and relatives should not seek medication for themselves while they are abroad as this constitutes NHS fraud.

 

Prescriptions for medicines in case of illness while abroad

GPs will only prescribe NHS prescriptions in this case for exacerbations of pre-existing illnesses, E.g. antibiotics for patients who have frequent infections secondary to an underlying lung condition.

GPs may provide private prescriptions if it is clinically appropriate, and they can be self-administered safely without medical assessment while abroad. These prescriptions are not free.

Patients should be aware that some drugs commonly prescribed in the UK may be illegal in certain countries and you should check with that countries embassy before you travel.