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Prescriptions

Ordering repeat prescriptions

The easiest ways to order repeat prescriptions are:

Please indicate where you would like your medicine dispensed as it can be sent directly to the dispensary or pharmacy. For almost all patients living in B&NES this will be a local Pharmacist.

You can also:

  • post your request for a prescription via the letter box located at all 3 sites

Please note we do not take repeat prescription requests over the phone and Prescriptions cannot be requested more than 10 days before their due date.

Collecting your prescription

Patients living in Somerset (and a small number in B&NES who live more than a mile from the nearest Pharmacy) can have medication dispensed from Chilcompton Surgery. This is particularly convenient for those who find it difficult to get into Midsomer Norton, and medication prescribed during a consultation will often be available to take away the same day as seeing the doctor.

Information:

Allow at least 3 working days for us to process your prescription requests.

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 any pharmacy that accepts repeat prescriptions
  • ask a receptionist

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.

Go to Medicines A to Z (nhs.uk)

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

Fees for prescriptions can be found on the NHS website.

If you will have to pay for four or more prescription items in three months, or more than 15 items in 12 months, you may find it cheaper to buy a PPC.

Extensive exemption and remission arrangements protect those likely to have difficulty in paying charges (NHS prescription and dental charges, optical and hospital travel costs).

The NHS prescription charge is a flat-rate amount which successive Governments have thought it reasonable to charge for those who can afford to pay for their medicines. Prescription prepayment certificates (PPCs) offer real savings for people who need extensive medication.

What to do with old medicines

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

About pharmacists

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

  • coughs
  • colds
  • sore throats
  • tummy trouble
  • aches and pains
  • contraception reviews
  • BP monitoring

Depending on the criteria they can prescribe antibiotics.

Find a pharmacy (nhs.uk)

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

Most pharmacies have a private room where you can discuss issues with pharmacy staff.

Shared Care

Shared care agreements are a specific approach to the seamless prescribing and monitoring of medicines which enables patients to receive care in an integrated and convenient manner. Shared care is a particular form of the transfer of clinical responsibility from a hospital or specialist service to general practice, in which prescribing by the GP or other primary care prescribers is supported by a shared care agreement.

When a specialist considers a patient’s condition to be stable or predictable, they may seek the agreement of the GP concerned (and the patient) to share their care. In proposing shared care agreements, a specialist should advise which medicines to prescribe, what monitoring will need to take place in primary care, how often medicines should be reviewed, and what actions should be taken in the event of difficulties.

It should be noted that where a shared care agreement has been approved by the Local Prescribing Forum, a condition of the transfer from Specialist to Primary care is on the basis that, the specialist clinician is usually responsible for initiating and stabilising treatment; it is normally presumed that GPs will accept the shared care of amber drugs. If a GP wishes to decline a shared care they should respond promptly to the specialist, setting out appropriate reasons, monitoring requirements and responsibility for monitoring treatment have been clearly defined. The drug is being used for the indication and in accordance with the shared care guidance that has been agreed,

a GP may choose not to accept clinical responsibility on the basis of lack of familiarity or experience with a drug or if it is being used outside of the guidance that has been agreed. 

Page published: 5 May 2023
Last updated: 24 September 2025