Ordering online

The safest and fastest way to order a repeat prescription is online via SystmOnline.  To use SystmOnline you will have to request a username and password at our reception front desk (photographic identification will be required). Once you have registered you can login via the link at the top of this page.

By email

You can order your repeat medication by emailing us at scartho.prescriptions@nhs.net

In person

You can complete the tick boxes at the side of your last prescription and drop it into our prescription box which is in the lobby before you get to the reception desk.

Collecting your prescription

Once ready, your prescription will either be sent electronically to your nominated pharmacy (the fastest and safest way to receive it) or ready for collection from our reception desk.  If you want to change your nominated pharmacy, please contact our reception team.

Please allow two working days for your prescription to be prepared.

Help with NHS costs

In England, around 90% of prescription items are dispensed free. This includes exemptions from charging for those on low incomes, such as:

• those on specific benefits or through the NHS Low Income Scheme
• those who are age exempt
• those with certain medical conditions
• More information is available at NHS Choices

These charges apply in England only. In Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales prescriptions are free of charge.

• Prescription (per item): £9.35
• 12-month prepayment certificate (PPC): £108.10
• 3-month PPC: £30.25

If you will have to pay for four or more prescription items in three months or more than 14 items in 12 months, you may find it cheaper to buy a PPC.

• Telephone advice and order line 0845 850 0030
• General Public - Buy or Renew a PPC On-line

There is further information about prescription exemptions and fees on the NHS website.

Regarding requests for General Practitioners to prescribe medications for travel abroad:

• Under NHS regulations, the NHS ceases to have responsibility for people when they leave the UK.
• For NHS patients travelling for three months or less, medication required for a pre-existing condition should be provided in sufficient quantity to cover the journey and to allow the patient to obtain medical attention abroad. The General Practitioners Committee Guidance on Prescribing in General Practice 2013 states that the NHS accepts responsibility for supplying on-going medication for temporary periods abroad of up to 3 months.
• For longer visits abroad (in excess of three months), the patient should be advised to register with a local doctor for continuing medication; this may need to be paid for by the patient. If a person is going to be abroad for more than three months then all that the patient is entitled to at NHS expense is a sufficient supply of his/her regular medication to get to the destination and find an alternative supply of that medication.
• Anyone staying outside of their home country for longer than three months should register with a doctor in the country they are visiting for the purpose of receiving further prescriptions.
• Patients who are carrying certain controlled drugs abroad may require a personal export or import licence or a letter from the prescribing doctor.
• GPs are not required to provide prescriptions for medication which is requested solely in anticipation of the onset of an ailment whilst outside the UK, but for which treatment is not required at the time of prescribing.

In summary, General Practitioners may prescribe up to 3 months of medication for your travel abroad. However, if you will be abroad for longer than 3 months you will need to make alternative arrangements with the country/countries in which you will be staying.