We are always reviewing our processes to ensure our service is safe, effective, caring, cost efficient and sustainable. As a rural practice our dispensaries provide an invaluable service and without patients using the dispensaries, if they are eligible (local to them), our surgery sites would be at risk of closing.  

We recently reviewed our automative Repeat Dispensing Service and realised that it caused more risk than benefit for reasons explained below, so we took the decision to stop it and change it back to the previous system where we request patients to be responsible for ordering their repeat medication themselves. 

We now request that patients/carers do not hand back their repeat slip every time they collect their medication but, instead, order what they need between 7 -10 days before their prescription is due. The quickest and easiest way to do this is by using the NHS App which is easy to download or by ordering it via our Website (reception will provide you with a Username and Password). Alternatively you can tick what you need on the paper repeat slip and drop it in to the surgery closest to you when you need to order it (7 -10 days). We do not accept emails for repeat prescription requests.

Previously we were allowing patients to simply hand back their repeat slip as soon as they collected their medications but this caused a lot of wastage (prescriptions/doses/items might change but patients ordered automatically and too soon without  necessarily needing everything), additional workload as many patients would come to collect and then decide they didn't need some items after all, and also additional space was required to store made up orders so far in advance of being needed. Telephone calls to the dispensary increased dramatically as patients rang all day to ask if their medication had been issued yet and when it would be ready to collect as they had no idea of the date it was due to be dispensed. 

We have run our new system for 3 months now and already recognise a significantly improved flow to the dispensing system with a consequence of less items being rejected, less waste and vastly improved efficiency within the dispensing system. The dispensers now have the correct amount of time to concentrate on the daily dispensing without trying to play "catch up" all the time with future issues.

We hope you understand the rationale, which is of course same for community pharmacies who likewise, do not accept early repeat requests for the same reasons.

Please allow 4 working days, excluding weekends and Bank Holidays, for your request to be processed.

Saturday and Sunday are not working days so are not included in the 4 day rule (bank holidays are also not included).

Please allow extra time over busy holiday periods.

How to Order Repeat Prescription Medication

• Online:  via the link at the top of this  page. Before you are able to use this service you must first register for Online Access, please complete the Online Access Form and return to reception.
• If you are registering with us, and you have repeat medications, you will need to contact the surgery to book an appointment for a New Patient Medication Review before we can issue your first prescription.

Alderton and Orford dispensaries offer an extensive range of over the counter products at a competitive rate.   Please ask if we do not have the product you are looking for, as our dispensers will be happy to try and order the item for you. 

We accept all major debit and credit cards.

The Peninsula Practice runs a Delivery Service for patients who have difficulities getting to the surgery.  This service is totally free and our own excellent staff will be carrying out the deliveries therefore will be totally safe and confidential.  If you would like to be considered for this service please contact the dispensary staff.

Exclusions do apply so  please contact dispensary staff for details. 

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

Prescription NHS Charges from 1st May 2024. These charges apply in England only. In Northern Ireland, Scotland & Wales prescriptions are free.

• £9.90 per item
• £32.05 for 3 months
• £114.50 for 12 months

You will be charged the new amount if you collect your prescription on or after 1 April even if your GP issued your prescription before this date.

Proof of exemption for prescription payment MUST be shown when collecting your presciption otherwise medication may not be given. This is in line with Pharmacy Regulations, and could result in you being fined by the National Health Service Business Authority (NHSBSA) if exemption card is not shown.

We as a surgery are also penalised for not enforcing this.  Please help us to help you.