Please use online services or bring your repeat medication request to the surgery. All requests will be dealt with within 48 hours of receipt.  However please allow 72 hours if you request your repeat medication from the pharmacy.

Requests will be accepted on the telephone for the elderly and housebound patients please ring the surgery on 01922 423580. Requests will only be taken over the telephone if you are elderly or housebound. 

Prescriptions will be available to collect from the surgery or a pharmacy of your choice (providing they are willing to collect your prescription from the practice).

Alternatively please ask at your local pharmacy who may take the request over the telephone and forward it to the practice on your behalf.

Acute prescriptions requested before 11.00am will usually be available for collection after 3.00pm.

The pharmacy will be able to help you with general medication queries.

If they are unable to help you with your enquiry please contact reception on 01922 423580. Please note that it can take 24 to 48 hours for a response.

We have practice pharmacists available on Monday mornings and Tuesday afternoons for medication reviews.

Please contact the practice on 01922 423580 to book a face to face appointment or a telephone consultation.

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.

Paracetamol and Ibuprofen

Stroud Practice have recently adapted the guidelines produced by Walsall CCG which aims to restrict the prescribing of Paracetamol and Ibuprofen products for short term use that can be bought at a reasonable cost over the counter. If this guideline is followed it will result in:

• Reduced patient reliance on prescribers for prescriptions.
• Reduced consultations for minor, self-limiting conditions.
• Increased patient self-reliance for minor conditions.

Funding of medicines available to purchase to treat self-limiting conditions and minor ailments and self-care is a personal responsibility.

Vitamin D

Stroud Practice have recently adapted the guidelines produced by Walsall CCG on prescribing Vitamin D for daily supplementation.

The Department of Health recommends vitamin D supplementation in certain high risk adult groupsin order to prevent Vitamin D deficiency.

• Funding of vitamin D supplements to protect and maintain bone, teeth and muscle health and for long-term maintenance is a personal responsibility.
• Vitamin D is readily available to purchase in pharmacies, health food shops and supermarkets at a far lower cost than on prescription.
• It is expected that patients will purchase such supplements.
• Community pharmacists or other healthcare professionals are able to advise on suitable vitamin D products.
• For good sources of vitamin D, please visit NHS Choices website: http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/vitamins-minerals/Pages/Vitamin-D.aspx
• NB: *Pregnant /breastfeeding women may be eligible to obtain vitamins free of charge as part of the Healthy Start Scheme. Further information on the eligibility criteria can be found at healthystart.nhs.uk.

This does not affect GP prescribing of high-dose Vitamin D preparations that are not available over the counter.

Stroud Practice will be working in line with the above guidance to promote self-care and will try to reduce the prescribing of these medicines.

For any questions or concerns about this guidance please get in touch with us.

Private prescriptions are written for medicines which are not readily available through the NHS.

Doctors charge patients for writing private prescriptions.  The current fee for a private prescription at Stroud Practice is £10.00, usual pharmacy fees still apply.