📱 Order using the NHS App

The quickest way to request your prescription is via the NHS App. Setting up an account to use these services is quick and easy and gives you access to consultations, test results, covid passes and much more.

Your prescription is sent electronically to your nominated chemist.

Learn more about the NHS App

💻 Use online services

The easiest way to order your prescription is by using our online services.

This allows you to request medication at any time without needing to contact the surgery.

🏥 Your local pharmacy

Many pharmacies offer a prescription ordering and collection service from the practice.

Your pharmacy can order your medication on your behalf
This helps save you time and avoids unnecessary visits to the surgery

If you wish to use this service, please contact your chosen pharmacy for more information.

🧾 Order in person

Hand your repeat slip to your pharmacy – they will request your medication on your behalf
The pharmacy keeps the right-hand side of the prescription
Please tell the pharmacy each time which items you do and do not need

Alternatively:

Use the tick list on the right-hand side of your previous prescription
Hand this in at the pharmacy or at the practice

➕ Ordering medication not on your repeat list

If you need medication that is not on your repeat prescription list:

Please submit a new request to us online so we can review your request safely
Medication requests are passed to our prescribing team and we aim to respond within 72 hours

If you are unable to contact us online, you can call the surgery and a member of the team will pass your request to a GP or Clinical Pharmacist.

🌸 Ordering repeat HRT and contraception

Requests for HRT and contraception should be made:

Via your NHS account
Or by completing a request form at the surgery

You may be sent a questionnaire via text if we need up-to-date information about your health.

📦 How you receive your prescription

If you have nominated a pharmacy, your prescription will be sent electronically (this is the fastest option and preferred by the practice)
If you have not nominated a pharmacy, your prescription will be available for collection at reception

Electronic prescriptions are not issued for controlled drugs or when additional paperwork is required.

You can change your nominated pharmacy at any time:

On the app or website
At any pharmacy that accepts prescriptions

⏳ Early requests

Please do not request your medication earlier than one week before it is due.

Early requests will not be processed until one week before the due date
Requests from pharmacies will be returned
Online requests will remain pending until due

⚠️ Exceptional circumstances

Repeat prescriptions can only be issued early in exceptional circumstances (e.g. travel, theft, damage).

You must provide a brief explanation with your request
The decision is at the GP’s discretion
You may be contacted or asked to attend an appointment before a decision is made

❗ Why might my prescription be delayed?

If your prescription is not ready after two working days, it may be because:

You are due a medication review or blood test
You need a telephone or face-to-face consultation
Further monitoring or investigation is required

Doctors are required to ensure your medication is safe and appropriately monitored.

🚑 When the surgery is closed

If you urgently need medication when the surgery is closed, you may be able to obtain an emergency supply via out-of-hours services.

You can find more information on the NHS website

✈️ Travelling with medication

Please check guidance before travelling with medication, particularly if you are taking controlled drugs or travelling abroad.

You may need documentation depending on the medication and destination.

Please contact the practice in advance if you require advice.

❓ Questions about your prescription

If you have questions about your medication:

Your local pharmacist can provide advice
They can also advise on medicines available without a prescription

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

If you would like to speak to someone at the surgery, please contact us.

🔍 Further prescriptions information

Medication reviews

If your medication requires an annual blood test:

You will be sent (by email or text) the form prior to your review
Blood tests are usually carried out at St Albans City Hospital

If you also require an annual chronic disease review, your blood test may be taken at your initial appointment.

Once you have completed any necessary blood tests, you will be booked a telephone appointment with one of our pharmacists or GPs for your medication review.

👩‍⚕️ How your pharmacist can help

Pharmacists are qualified healthcare professionals who can provide advice and treatment for minor illnesses such as:

Coughs
Colds
Sore throats
Stomach problems
Aches and pains

They can also advise on medicines available without a prescription.

📍 Find a pharmacy

You can find your nearest pharmacy by clicking the link below.

Find a pharmacy

💊 Prescribing guidance – Diazepam

We do not prescribe diazepam for fear of flying or for phobias related to medical or dental procedures.

This is because:

Diazepam is a sedative and may impair your ability to respond in an emergency
It increases the risk of blood clots (DVT), particularly on long flights
Some patients may experience agitation or behavioural changes
It is not recommended under national prescribing guidelines for this purpose
It may be illegal in some countries
It remains in your system for a prolonged period and may affect drug testing

We recognise that fear of flying can be distressing. However, safer and more effective options are available.

✈️ Fear of flying courses

We recommend structured courses which are proven to be more effective: