Introduction

From June 2026, repeat prescriptions at Cape Hill Medical Centre will move to a Patient Led Prescription Ordering system. This change takes place across many NHS GP surgeries. The aim is to make prescription ordering safer, clearer and easier for patients. This means instead of pharmacies ordering medicines on your behalf, patients will request their own repeat prescriptions directly from the practice. We know changes like this raise questions. This guide explains what the change means and how you can order your medication.

What Patient Led Prescription Ordering means

Patient Led Prescription Ordering means patients request their own repeat prescriptions when they need them. You choose when to order and what medicines you need. The practice checks the request and sends the prescription to your nominated pharmacy as usual. This helps make sure prescriptions stay accurate and up to date. it also prevents: 
• Medicines being ordered too early
• Medicines being requested that you no longer take
• Stockpiling up at home
• Waste of NHS medicines

Why the NHS is introducing this change

Across the NHS, a large number of repeat prescriptions are ordered automatically by pharmacies without the patient always knowing.

This can lead to:
• Medicines being dispensed when they are not needed
• Changes to medication not being updated quickly
• Large amounts of medicine waste

Medicine waste costs the NHS hundreds of millions of pounds every year. Patient Led Prescription Ordering helps reduce this waste. It also improves safety because patients check what they need before ordering. Many GP surgeries across the UK already use this system successfully.

How to order your repeat prescription from June 2026

From June 2026, patients should order repeat prescriptions directly from Cape Hill Medical Centre

You can order in several simple ways.

Use the NHS App
The NHS App is one of the quickest ways to request repeat prescriptions. You can:
• Order repeat medicines
• Choose or change your pharmacy
• Track your request

The NHS app can be downloaded here NHS App If you have not used the NHS App before, our reception team can help you get started.

You can also use the online service from Patient Access Patient Access

Order online through the practice website
You can request repeat prescriptions through the online services on our website.

Submit a request to the surgery
You can also request your repeat medication directly from the practice by contacting the surgery or submitting a written request to prescription.chmc@nhs.net

You can bring the paper form to the surgery. Post your request in the green box situated at the front of the building on Raglan Road. - make sure the name of your medicatin is clearly marked. 

You can post the tear-off slip of your prescription with the required items clearly marked. Please also enclose a stamped addressed envelope.

Whichever method you choose, please allow 3 working days for your prescription to be process and order in plenty of time so you do not run out of medication. 

We do not take prescription ordering over the telephone. 

What will no longer happen

From June 2026, pharmacies will no longer routinely order repeat prescriptions on behalf of patients. Patients will need to request their own medication directly from the practice. Your pharmacy will still dispense your medication once the prescription is issued. The change only affects who can order for themselves.  In some cases, special arrangements may remain in place for patients who cannot manage their own ordering. These situations are assessed by a clinician individually to support patients who need extra help. The pharmacy will be able to order medication on their behalf. 

Our team is here to help.

If you:
• Are not confident using technology
• Need help setting up the NHS App
• Are unsure how to request medication
• Care for someone who needs support

Please contact the practice. Our care navigators will guide you through the options and help you find the best way to order your prescriptions.

Preparing for June 2026

Patient Led Prescription Ordering will start in June 2026.

If you currently rely on your pharmacy to order prescriptions, now is a good time to start ordering directly through the practice.Many patients find the NHS App the easiest option, but several ordering methods remain available. Our goal is to keep prescription ordering safe, simple and reliable for all patients. If you have questions, please contact the surgery and our team will be happy to help.

You can usually collect your prescription from the pharmacy 3 to 5 working days after you have ordered it.

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 your GP practice
• at any pharmacy that accepts repeat prescriptions

Please allow at least 72 hours before collection from the pharmacist.

Alternatively, when you order, you can provide a stamped, self-addressed envelope and we will post the prescription to you.

In line with our repeat medication policy, you will be asked to review of your medication with a member of our clinical team or our Pharmacy team who support the clinical team for medication reviews. We do this to monitor your illness and make sure you are on the correct medication.

If you think you may need a prescribed medicine, please call the surgery to make a telephone apoointment. Our practice Nurse Practitioner and Advanced Nurse Practitioners can also issue prescriptions for common ailments. If you have previously been given a prescription for a straightforward condition, such as hay fever, we may be able to issue a prescription after a telephone consultation. Please ask the receptionist. Your local pharmacist will also be able to give you advice for non-prescription medication which you can buy from them.

Our on site pharmacy (Lloyds) is able to provide advice and treatment for a range of minor ailments. Treatment is free if you are eligible for free prescriptions under the NHS, without having to see a doctor. There are also more Pharmacists in the local area which all offer the same services.

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:

• phone our pharmacist between 9am - 1pm.
• contact the surgery voa the email: prescriptions.chmc@nhs.net  

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

Find out more about prescription charges (nhs.uk).

Take it to the pharmacy you got it from or bring it in to the surgery. 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

They can also advise on medicine that you can buy without a prescription.

• 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 consultation room where you can discuss issues with pharmacy staff without being overheard.