Prescriptions

Electronic Prescription Service

EPS Information

The Electronic Prescription Service (EPS) is an NHS service. It gives you the chance to change how your GP sends your prescription to the place you choose to get your medicines or appliances from. If you collect your repeat prescriptions from your GP you will not have to visit your GP practice to pick up your paper prescription. Instead, your GP will send it electronically to the place you choose, saving you time.

Ordering repeat prescriptions

The easiest ways to order repeat prescriptions are:

  • Pharmacy
    Via your usual pharmacy 
  • Online
    You can order your repeat prescriptions directly via the NHS App, SystmOnline or you can use our Online form here
  • In Person
    Tick the boxes on your green repeat medication slip, OR, write a note stating what medications you would like and drop it off or post it to the surgery. Please only order medications that you need
  • By Post
    If using your request form, please place it in the box provided at reception or send to us by post enclosing an SAE
  • Email
    Contact us about your request at nwicb.enmpprescriptions@nhs.net

We do NOT take repeat prescription requests over the phone.

  • Requests for acute medication have to be authorised by your GP so may take longer.
  • Prescriptions will need to be requested a few days early if there is a Bank Holiday.
  • Monthly medication can be requested up to 7 days prior to it running out.
  •  Controlled drugs can be requested up to 2 days prior to running out.

Collecting your prescription

You can usually collect your prescription from the pharmacy 2 working days after you have ordered it.

You will need to choose a pharmacy to collect your prescription from. We call this nominating a pharmacy.

You can change your nominated pharmacy at any time:

  • On the app or website where you order repeat prescriptions
  • At your GP practice
  • At any pharmacy that accepts repeat prescriptions

Questions about your prescription

If you have questions about your medicine, your local pharmacists can answer these. They can also answer questions on medicines you can buy without a prescription.

The NHS website has information on how your medicine works, how and when to take it, possible side effects and answers to your common questions.

If you would like to speak to someone at the GP surgery about your prescription:

Medication reviews

If you have a repeat prescription, we may ask you to come in for a regular review. We will be in touch when you need to come in for a review.

Prescription charges

Find out more about prescription charges (nhs.uk).

What to do with old medicines

Take it to the pharmacy you got it from or bring it in to the surgery. Do not put it in your household bin or flush it down the toilet.

About pharmacists

Pharmacists are experts in medicines who can help you with minor health concerns

As qualified healthcare professionals, pharmacists can offer advice on minor illnesses such as:

  • Coughs
  • Colds
  • Sore throats
  • Tummy trouble
  • Aches and pains

They can also advise on medicine that you can buy without a prescription.

Many pharmacies are open until late and at weekends. You do not need an appointment.

Most pharmacies have a private consultation room where you can discuss issues with pharmacy staff without being overheard.

Disposing of Old Medicines

If your medicine is out of date, unwanted, or some of it is left over after you have stopped taking it, do not put it in your household bin or flush it down the toilet. Instead, take it to your pharmacy to be disposed of safely.

Over-the-counter Medicines

Did you know that your local NHS spends £15m a year on prescribing medicines that are available to buy at the pharmacy?

Following national guidance from NHS England, our GP’s are asked not to prescribe these medicines (there are some exceptions, see the below link), including for such conditions such as coughs, colds, headaches, mouth ulcers, travel sickness and mild toothache.

Your GP will not generally give you a prescription for the over-the-counter medicines for a range of minor health concerns. Instead, over-the-counter medicines are available to buy at your local pharmacy