Repeat Prescription Changes

You may or may not be aware that from 1st August 2016, we changed how you can order your repeat prescriptions in North East Essex.

To prevent medicines being wasted, you will now need to order your repeat prescriptions online, by dropping a request into your practice, by post or by calling if your practice allows this. You will no longer be able to drop your request into your pharmacy or have your pharmacy or appliance contractor order medicines on your behalf.

We are doing this because:

• We would like YOU to be in charge of ordering your medicines
• It will improve patient safety
• It will give your GP a clearer picture of what you are ordering and how often
• It will reduce wasted medicines
• This change will help our local NHS use money more efficiently for the benefit of the residents of north east Essex

Remember…

• Only order the medication you are taking
• Only order what you need
• Reorder when 7 days’ supply left (it takes 2 –3 working days for prescriptions to be issued and 2 days for the pharmacy to dispense it)
• Mark your calendar when to reorder your next supply
• Set alarm on your mobile device to remind you when to order
• Allow extra ordering time for bank holidays and weekends
• Check with your practice how to order repeat prescriptions

If you need more guidance, please contact our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) by calling 01206 918730 (normal hours 8:30am – 4:30pm, Monday to Friday).

A confidential answer phone system operates at busy times and out of hours. We will endeavour to return your call as soon as possible. Alternatively, you could email pals.nee@nhs.net or call the number above to make an appointment with PALS to talk in person.