Understanding repeat prescriptions and digital ordering

If you take regular medicine, knowing who to ask for the next supply can make the process less stressful. A repeat prescription is medicine your prescriber has agreed you may request again without a new appointment each time, subject to review. Requesting a repeat, getting it approved and having it dispensed are separate steps. Digital tools can make requests easier to track, but they do not bypass your prescriber's checks.

Requesting your next repeat

Check how many days of medicine you have left and allow time for your GP practice to review the request and for the pharmacy to obtain and prepare the medicine. You may be able to request repeats through the NHS App, your GP practice's system or another approved service. If you are not sure which method your practice accepts, ask them. Request only the items you need and flag any change in dose or treatment to your prescriber rather than altering a request yourself.

What does nominating a pharmacy do?

In England, you can usually choose a nominated pharmacy for electronic prescriptions. Once your nomination is recorded, eligible prescriptions sent through the Electronic Prescription Service can go to that pharmacy for dispensing. You can change your nomination through the NHS App, your GP practice or a pharmacy. A change normally applies to future prescriptions; an item already issued to another pharmacy may need separate attention. If you need medicine urgently, check where your current prescription has been sent before travelling to collect it.

Using a patient app without losing track

A patient app can help you make repeat requests and follow updates where those features are available and linked to your pharmacy. To get started with the Meadowfield patient app, download it and speak to our team about connecting your account. The NHS App is another way to manage eligible repeat requests and your pharmacy nomination. Whichever route you use, a submitted request does not mean the medicine is ready: wait for confirmation from the pharmacy before collecting, or check directly if you have not heard back.

Collection, delivery and medicine safety

If getting to the pharmacy is difficult, ask whether delivery is available for your address and how it works for your medicines. Some items need extra handling or identification at collection. Check the label and contents when you receive a prescription, and ask the pharmacy if something looks different or an item is missing. Do not stop taking a prescribed medicine or double a dose to make up for a delayed supply without advice from a clinician.

If your supply is running low

• Check whether a repeat request has been submitted and approved by your prescriber.
• Contact your pharmacy to confirm where the prescription is and whether the medicine is available.
• If you have run out and cannot reach your usual prescriber, ask a pharmacist or NHS 111 about your options.
• Keep track of when your next review is due, especially if your repeat has reached its authorised limit.

If you would like to nominate Meadowfield or need help understanding the request process, speak to our team. Bring the name of your medicine or its packaging if you are unsure what you need. They can explain what they can help with and when you need to contact your GP practice.