Changes to Repeat Prescriptions – 28 Day Prescribing
If you are being prescribed medicines on a repeat prescription, then the amount of medicine you receive on each prescription is changing from a three month supply of medicines to a 28 day supply.
How will 28 day prescribing affect me?
GP practices in Northumberland are changing to ‘28 day prescribing’, which means each time you get a prescription, you will receive enough of each medicine to last you for 28 days.
How can I order repeat prescriptions?
In person at your GP surgery
Over the phone (some surgeries)
GP Online Services
GP Online Services
After registering to use online services from your GP, you will be able to renew or order repeat prescriptions online. The service is free and everyone who is registered with a GP can have access to their practice’s online services. For more information contact your GP practice or visit NHS Choices.
Will it cost patients more?
If you pay prescription charges and you need more than one item a month the best way to pay for your prescriptions would be to obtain a Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC).
A PPC lets you get as many NHS prescriptions as you need for a set price. If you regularly pay prescription charges, a PPC could save you money. The price of a PPC has remained the same over the last few years, whereas the prescription charge increases each year.
The current prescription charge in England is £8.60 per item and a PPC costs £29.10 for three months or £104 for 12 months.
Are there any exceptions?
Depending on your individual circumstances there may be exceptions to the 28 day policy. For example there are some drugs which are packaged in three monthly amounts, for example, contraceptive pills and hormone replacement therapy. These will continue to be supplied in this way.
Further Information
If you have any questions about 28 day prescribing, or would like more information, please contact your GP practice. You can also ask your community pharmacist for further information.
If you are having difficulties with prescriptions Healthwatch Northumberland would like to hear from you. Please give us a call: 03332 408468 or use our contact us page.
