Prescriptions

Controlled Drugs are medications that are subject to strict legal controls due to their potential for misuse, dependence, or harm. They include certain strong painkillers, sedatives, and medications used for conditions such as ADHD or epilepsy.

Examples of controlled drugs include:

• Morphine
• Oxycodone
• Diazepam
• Methylphenidate

How Controlled Drugs Are Managed

GP practices must follow strict procedures when prescribing controlled drugs to ensure patient safety and legal compliance.

Prescribing:

• Controlled drugs are only prescribed when clinically necessary.
• Prescriptions must include specific legal wording and may be limited to a shorter supply (e.g. 28 days).
• Repeat prescriptions for CDs are not automatic and may require regular reviews.

Patient Safety and Monitoring

• Patients prescribed CDs may be asked to attend regular reviews to ensure the medication is still appropriate and effective.
• GPs and pharmacists work together to monitor usage and prevent misuse.
• If you have concerns about a controlled drug you’ve been prescribed, please speak to your GP or pharmacist.

Important: Never share your medication with others, and always store it safely out of reach of children.

What is a Dosette Box?

A dosette box (also known as a blister pack or multi-compartment compliance aid) is a plastic tray with separate compartments for different days of the week and times of the day. It helps patients manage their medication by clearly organising doses, making it easier to take the right medicine at the right time.

Dosette boxes are especially helpful for:

• People taking multiple medications
• Those with memory difficulties
• Patients with physical or visual impairments

How to Get a Dosette Box

Dosette boxes are not routinely issued and may not be suitable for all medications. The pharmacist conducts an assessment, but the final decision is made with the GP’s approval.

To be considered for a dosette box:

1. Speak to your pharmacist – they will carry out an assessment to determine if a dosette box is appropriate.
2. The assessment may include questions about:
   • Your ability to remember to take medication
   • Any physical or mental impairments
   • Difficulty opening packaging or reading labels

If the pharmacist determines that a dosette box is a reasonable adjustment under the Equality Act (2010), it may be provided free of charge. Otherwise, some pharmacies may offer it as a private service, which may involve a fee.

How Prescriptions Are Processed for Dosette Boxes

• Once approved, your repeat prescriptions are sent electronically from the GP to your nominated pharmacy.
• The pharmacy then prepares your medication in the dosette box, usually on a weekly or monthly basis, depending on your needs.
• In some cases, weekly prescriptions may be issued if clinically necessary, but this is more costly for the NHS and not routinely done.
• Some pharmacies may also offer home delivery of dosette boxes for patients who are housebound.

Our practice is fully set up for Electronic Prescribing. This means your prescriptions are sent securely and directly to your nominated pharmacy, without the need for a paper prescription.

Why this is beneficial

For patients:

• It is faster and more convenient – no need to collect a paper prescription from the surgery.
• You can go straight to your chosen pharmacy to collect your medication.
• Reduces the risk of lost or misplaced prescriptions.

For the practice:

• Improves efficiency and safety in managing prescriptions.
• Reduces paperwork and administrative delays.
• Helps us process repeat prescriptions more quickly and accurately.

How to Nominate a Pharmacy

You can nominate a pharmacy by:

• Speaking to your pharmacist directly
• Asking our reception team to update your records
• Using the NHS App or SystmOnline (if available)

If you do not nominate a pharmacy, you will be given a paper prescription instead.

You can usually request your repeat prescription:

• Online through the NHS App
• In person at your GP surgery, by handing your completed repeat slip to our reception team, or putting in the prescription post box at the main entrance
• Through your pharmacy, if they offer a repeat prescription service
• Through our Prescription Answerphone, call: 01522 699995 and leave a message.

Please leave the following details in your message:

• Your full name
• Your date of birth
• Your NHS number (if known)
• The name of the medication you need (feel free to spell it out if it’s hard to pronounce)

Important: Your GP will still review your medication regularly to ensure it is working well and remains safe for you.

Please allow three full working days (72 hours) for your prescription to be processed. We recommend ordering early to avoid delays around bank holidays.

Why Medication Reviews Are Important

• Safety: Ensures your medicines are not causing side effects or interacting with each other.
• Effectiveness: Confirms that your treatment is working as intended.
• Up-to-date care: Allows your clinician to adjust doses or stop medicines that are no longer needed.
• Support: Gives you a chance to ask questions or raise concerns about your medication.

Medication reviews are especially important if you:

• Take multiple medications
• Have a long-term condition
• Are prescribed controlled drugs
• Have recently been discharged from hospital

What Happens During a Review?

• Your current medications are reviewed for safety and effectiveness.
• You may be asked about side effects, how you take your medicines, and whether you’re having any difficulties.
• Your clinician may make changes to your prescription or recommend further monitoring.

Reviews can be done in person or by phone, depending on your needs.

What If I Don’t Attend?

If you miss your medication review:

• Your repeat prescriptions may be delayed or paused until the review is completed.
• This is to ensure your safety and that your treatment remains appropriate.
• You may receive reminders from the practice to rebook your appointment.

Tip: Attending your medication review helps us provide you with the best possible care and avoid unnecessary risks.

In England, the standard NHS prescription charge is £9.90 per item (not per prescription).

Ways to Save:

If you need regular medication, a Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC) can help reduce costs:

• 3-month PPC: £32.05
• 12-month PPC: £114.50 (payable in 10 monthly instalments of £11.45)

There is also a Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) PPC available for £19.80 per year, covering eligible HRT medicines 

Find out more about PPC by visiting Gov.UK

Who is Exempt from Paying for Prescriptions?

You may be entitled to free NHS prescriptions if you meet any of the following criteria:

• Aged under 16, or 16–18 and in full-time education
• Aged 60 or over
• Hold a valid Maternity Exemption Certificate (if you are pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months)
• Hold a valid Medical Exemption Certificate (for certain long-term conditions such as diabetes, epilepsy, or hypothyroidism)
• Have a valid NHS Tax Credit Exemption Certificate
• Receive Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, or Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
• Hold a valid HC2 certificate under the NHS Low Income Scheme

You can check your exemption status or apply for certificates at: Check NHS Exemptions

A repeat prescription is a medication that your doctor has approved for you to take on a regular basis. Instead of needing to see your GP each time you need more, you can request a new supply when you're running low—making it easier to manage long-term conditions.

Repeat prescriptions are typically used for ongoing treatments such as:

• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Asthma
• Thyroid conditions
• Mental health medications

Shared care is a formal arrangement between your hospital specialist, your GP, and you as the patient, to safely manage certain medications that require specialist oversight.

These medications are often used to treat complex or long-term conditions such as:

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• ADHD
• Mental health conditions
• Hormonal disorders
• Autoimmune diseases

What is a Shared Care Agreement?

A Shared Care Agreement is a written plan that outlines:

• The responsibilities of your specialist, GP, and you
• How your medication will be prescribed and monitored
• What tests or reviews are needed to ensure your treatment remains safe and effective

Shared care can only begin when:

• Your condition is stable
• You have given your informed consent
• Your GP has agreed to take on the prescribing responsibility 

How Shared Care Works

1. Your specialist:

   • Diagnoses your condition and starts the medication
   • Monitors your response and adjusts the dose until stable
   • Provides written guidance to your GP
   • Requests shared care once your treatment is stable

2. Your GP:

   • Reviews the shared care request
   • If agreed, continues prescribing the medication
   • Carries out any required monitoring (e.g. blood tests)
   • Refers back to the specialist if concerns arise

3. You (the patient):

   • Attend all monitoring appointments, which may include blood tests, height/weight updates, blood pressure checks as well as a medication review
   • Take your medication as prescribed
   • Report any side effects or concerns
   • Understand your role in managing your condition

Why Shared Care Matters

• Ensures continuity of care between hospital and GP
• Reduces the need for frequent hospital visits
• Allows you to access specialist medications safely in the community
• Promotes collaborative decision-making in your treatment

What If I Don’t Attend?

If you miss your medication review:

• Your repeat prescriptions may be delayed or paused until the review is completed.
• This is to ensure your safety and that your treatment remains appropriate.
• You may receive reminders from the practice to rebook your appointment.

If your GP is unable to take on shared care, your specialist will continue prescribing your medication until an alternative arrangement is made.