Get medication

Repeat medication

When you register with the practice, you should book an appointment so we can set up your repeat prescriptions.

Once we have added your repeat medication to your record, you can request further prescriptions by:

  • email: bnssg.healthwestph@nhs.net
  • NHS App: download and use the NHS App
    • we must have processed your registration before you can access our services through the app
  • community pharmacy: ask your regular pharmacy to order your repeat prescriptions on your behalf.

Allow up to 5 working days for us to process your prescription request and send it to your chosen pharmacy.

If we cannot process your request, or need further information, we will contact you by text message, telephone or email. Make sure your contact details are up-to-date.

Urgent medication

If you need urgent medication when the practice is closed, including at weekends, you can:

NHS 111 may be able to arrange an emergency supply of your medication.

Specialist medication

If you take medication prescribed by an NHS hospital specialist, we may need more information before we can issue prescriptions.

We can only prescribe medicines that meet local prescribing guidance. They must also be included in the BNSSG Formulary.

Prescription charges and help with costs

Most prescriptions in England incur a charge. This is payable when you collect your medication.

You may be entitled to free prescriptions if you:

If you regularly pay for prescriptions, a Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC) could save you money.

If you are on a low income, you may be eligible for help with health costs through the NHS Low Income Scheme (HC2 certificate). This can also help with dental and eye care costs.

Medication switches 2026/27

The NHS sometimes changes patients from one brand of medicine to another equivalent brand. This helps ensure medicines remain clinically appropriate and cost-effective.

Changes may be recommended by our local Integrated Care Board (BNSSG). If you have any questions about a medication switch, book an appointment with a pharmacist.

Examples of medication switches this year include:

  • methylphenidate modified-release tablets
    • for example, Concerta XL to Xaggitin XL
  • a Clenil Modulite inhaler to a Soprobec inhaler
  • a Fostair inhaler to a Luforbec or Prohaler equivalent
  • NovoRapid FlexPen/cartridges to Trurapi SoloStar/cartridges.

Private healthcare and prescriptions

Private care

You may choose to access private healthcare because:

  • your treatment is not available on the NHS, or
  • you do not wish to wait for NHS treatment.

You are responsible for the costs of your private care. This includes consultations, investigations and tests.

Your private clinician handles arranging any tests they need to diagnose or manage your condition. GPs are not obliged to arrange investigations on behalf of private providers.

Medication recommended by a private specialist

We are not obliged to prescribe medication recommended by a private provider.

If a private specialist would like a medicine added to your repeat prescriptions, they must provide appropriate clinical information and follow NHS prescribing guidance.

In most cases:

  • your specialist should write to us explaining why the medication has been started
  • your specialist should provide an initial private prescription while we review the request
  • we must receive and review the relevant clinical information before considering any prescribing request.

Some medicines cannot be prescribed by GPs within the NHS, even if prescribed elsewhere.

We are unable to enter into Shared Care Agreements with private providers. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • ADHD medication prescribed privately
  • privately prescribed hormone treatments
  • DMARDs and other specialist medicines requiring ongoing specialist monitoring.

In some circumstances, you may need to continue obtaining your medication from your private specialist until you have transferred to an NHS specialist service.

There can be variation in prescribing policies between areas, and we may not be able to prescribe medicines that were issued by another GP practice.

If you would like to discuss NHS treatment options or an NHS referral, book an appointment with a GP.

Questions

If you have any questions about prescriptions or medication, email bnssg.shsadmin@nhs.net.