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Getting Repeat Prescriptions

F

Fencer

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OK, probably some silly questions here, but believe it or not I have never in my life needed a repeat prescription. I got my prescription from the hospital and handed the letter into the doctor.

  • I presume that I can just contact them for repeats of anything that I need? BG strips, sharp bits for the lancet, drugs, etc?

  • How far in advance should I do this? I don't know how long it takes to get to the chemist.

  • Do the doctors just sign the repeat without seeing you?

  • If not, how do you know whether or not to see them?

  • I have filled out the form at the doctor to get free prescriptions. This has to be signed by the doctor now. Does that mean I don't pay for prescriptions now or do I need to hear back from someone?

  • If it I need to wait for the certificate, how long roughly do I wait? Don't want to run out of anything.

Thanks in advance :)
 
You need to wait for an NHS Prescription Charge Certificate (Certificate Type: Medical Exemption) to be sent to your home. It is valid 5 years, and soon before it expires, you will be sent a form to apply for another (assuming you haven't moved and not told NHS at PO Box 854, Newcastle upon Tyne NE99 2DE) I can't remember how long the original certificate took to reach me, sorry.

Timing details vary between GPs and pharmacies, so you'll have to ask there.
 
If you need a repeat prescription before you get your card ask for an NHS receipt. On the back of it there is a form to claim back the charges. You just have to fill it in and take it to the pharmacy when you get your card and they refund the money. I think you can do it for anything a month before you get the card.

My card took ages to arrive as there was a mix up with the paperwork but they told me it should only take a few days.

As for how long prescriptions take check with your GP. Mine takes 48 hours before they are ready to collect. I've then signed up with my local pharmacy so they collect my repeat prescriptions and have it ready for me.
 
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