There are two ways to order your repeat prescription:

1. via our on line services (to access please click here) 
2. by telephone via the PoD (click here for details) 

All repeat prescriptions will be issued within 48 hours (excluding weekends and bank holidays) of a request. 

Most repeat prescriptions now go direct to your pharmacy of choice electronically (rather than a paper prescription) although there are some drugs that still have to be issued on a paper prescription.  Pharmacies will require more time to dispense your prescription from the time they receive the prescription due to the process and whether they need to order some of the items into stock.   Please discuss with your pharmacy how long they need to process your prescription.

We now do regular virtual checks of medications on repeat prescriptions.

If we need to discuss your medication we will contact you to make a telephone consultation.

It is common for practices to receive requests for prescriptions as ‘urgent’. This puts pressure on the practice protocols for processing such requests to ensure safe and appropriate procedures and avoid unnecessary interruptions to routine clinics.

‘Urgent’ requests are generally in situations where the patient has not allowed enough time to get the medication they require in a sensible and timely manner (48 hours)

Many requests for ‘urgent’ prescriptions are for medications which medically are not seen as crucial and a short interruption will do no harm. We will now process these requests in the routine way so allow 48 hours for their completion.

The practice does however see that there are some medications which are more crucial and which we feel are appropriate for urgent requests as interruption in taking them may cause harm; these are listed below

It is the responsibility of patients to order their medications in a timely manner. Failure to do so may mean an interruption in their medication if they are on non-crucial medications

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

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 by clicking here.

All GP practices are asked to prescribe as cost-effectively as possible. At Trowbridge Health Centre we look at our prescribing and make changes in line with national and local guidance. 

This sometimes means that your medication / appliances / creams etc are amended.  The changes could be due to safety concerns, evidence of effectiveness or could be due to cost effectiveness of treatment.  Cost effective changes are done to ensure that NHS resources are best utilised.  For most patients changes will have no effect on their treatment, however, if you find that a change to medication is affecting you please discuss with the Clinical Pharmacist at the surgery or your GP. 

Tel: 0300 303 5090 

The PoD service is run to help with repeat prescriptions. Although it provides a service to our patients it is run by the local clinical commissioning group.

We are aware that it is busy in the mornings, particularly on Mondays. The phone lines tend to be much quieter in the afternoons, especially Wednesdays & Thursdays.

Should you have any complaints about the PoD they should be addressed to the service provider PALS: Tel 0300 123 2103.

WCCG.ComplaintsandPALS@nhs.net (Not Trowbridge Health Centre) Thank you

Download How Can PoD Help?