We have received a number of enquiries recently regarding the policy to prescribe one or two months' worth of medication at a time.  According to the Department of Health “A 28 day prescribing interval is recognised by the NHS as making the best possible balance between patient convenience, good medical practice and minimal drug wastage”.

At Talbot Medical Centre we recognise that for many patients, only getting 28 days' medication at a time can cause extra stress, confusion and inconvenience, so for some patients on simple, stable medication regimes we will offer a two month supply (which equates to 56 days) if this is appropriate. Controlled drugs are limited by law to 28 days.

If you are prescribed a repeat medicine your doctor will be prescribing enough of each tablet to last you either 28 or 56 days. There are some drugs which are packaged in 3- or 6-monthly amounts and continue to be dispensed in these packs, for example, contraceptive pills and HRT.

The vast majority of patients collecting repeat prescriptions do not pay prescription charges.  However, if you do pay for your prescriptions and need regular medications, please ask your pharmacist about Prescription Pre-Payment Certificates.

You can order your repeat prescription in any of the following ways:

• Online via the NHS App or SystmOnline
• In Person at the surgery

We do not take repeat prescriptions requests over the telephone to avoid errors.

Finally, to help you and your doctor:

• Your prescription should last at least 28 or 56 days.  If you are collecting routine medication more often than this please arrange a review.
• All medicines should last for the same number of days.  If you are running out of some items or have too much of some medication, please let us know.
• If you are receiving medication which you have not asked for, please check with your pharmacy that they are not requesting medication on your behalf unnecessarily. If this persists, please let us know.
• Be prepared to engage with the surgery annually for your long term condition and medication reviews which usually occur in the month of your birthday.  This enables us to make sure that the medication you are taking is still appropriate.
• Do not stockpile medicines at home; only order those items that you will need until your next prescription is obtained.
• Return any unwanted medication to the pharmacy for safe disposal.
• Please order when you still have a few days of medication in hand to allow for possible delay.  It usually takes 72 hours to complete a prescription request.

Medication compliance aids (e.g. Dosette boxes) and medication delivery are an arrangement between you and the pharmacy. We do not have any control over the availability of these services or any associated costs.