Health & Medicines Information
Our Practice Prescribing Policy
The Department of Health recommends that repeat prescriptions should not routinely exceed a 28‑day supply. This policy helps reduce medication waste and improves patient safety.
Exceptions to 28‑Day Prescribing
Longer prescribing intervals may be appropriate in the following circumstances:
- Medicines supplied in fixed treatment packs covering longer durations, for example Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).
- Specialist or original packs (OP) that cannot be safely or practically split.
- Where 28 days does not correspond to the contents of the original pack, for example a 200‑dose inhaler supplied as one original pack.
‘When Required’ (PRN) Medicines
PRN medicines are prescribed based on an estimated 28‑day requirement, with clear dosing instructions provided. In some cases, an alternative duration may be more clinically appropriate.
Synchronisation of Medicines
When regular, stable medications run out at different times during the month, a one‑off synchronisation prescription may be issued.
Synchronising medicines helps to:
- Reduce medication waste
- Improve convenience for patients
- Reduce administrative workload for practice staff
Controlled Drugs
Prescriptions for Schedule 2, 3 and 4 controlled drugs must not exceed one month’s supply (maximum 30 days).
Repeat Prescription Ordering Timeline
Please request your repeat prescription at the right time to help us prescribe medicines safely and reduce unnecessary waste.
Do not order earlier than 21 days after you last collected your prescription from the pharmacy
OR
Order when you have 7 days of medication left
This timing allows us to process your request safely and ensures you do not run out of medication.
Ordering Too Early
Requests submitted earlier than the times above may:
Be rejected, or
Be issued closer to the date they are due
Exceptional Circumstances
If you need your prescription earlier than usual or for a longer period (for example, if you will be travelling abroad), please contact us:
Submit an online administration consultation, or if you are a Claverdon Dispensing patient, call the Surgery on 01789 292895, select the option to order a repeat prescription, and speak to the Claverdon Dispensing Team.
We may also ask you to fill out some information if you are requesting medications early, e.g., if travelling abroad
How Do You Know if Your Prescription Request Has Been Processed?
Whether you are unwell or live with a long-term condition that requires medication, it can feel like a long wait to collect your prescription, especially if you don’t know when it is due to be ready.
Discover how to find out when your prescription orders are ready to be collected and how long they typically take. Plus, how to use the NHS app to track your repeat prescriptions.
How to use the NHS App to order a repeat prescription
How Long Does It Take for an NHS Prescription Request To Be Processed?
Typically, it takes up to 2 - 3 working days, allowing for surgery closures during weekends and bank holidays, for an NHS prescription to be processed from the time it was requested. This does not account for the time taken by the pharmacy to dispense your prescription.
If you need your NHS prescription urgently, we advise you to fill in the online consultation form or contact the surgery in person / by phone.
When Will I Know When My Prescription Request Has Been Processed?
You can also check the status of your prescription on the NHS app, which is free to use and available for everyone.
If you are not able to use the NHS app, you can contact your GP surgery at any time to find out if your request has been processed. We request that you allow for the above time to have lapsed prior to contacting us.
If you have a nominated pharmacy, you can also call them or drop in if you live nearby. If you are picking up your prescription from your local pharmacy, make sure that you take your ID with you, as they may request this.
How Do I Check The Status Of My Prescription On The NHS App?
To check the status of your prescription or repeat prescription on the NHS app, you need to log in to your account and then head to the “Prescriptions” page. Here, you will be able to view your current orders and see if your prescription is ready to collect.
There are three possible statuses:
- Waiting for GP approval
- Approved by your GP and issued
- Rejected or refused
If your request has been rejected e.g., for clinical safety reasons, you may receive direct correspondence from the surgery with regards to next steps.
Patients of Claverdon Surgery may collect their medication from the Practice without having to nominate a pharmacy. This is called 'Dispensing'. For more information, please contact Claverdon Dispensary on 01926 843445.
HOSPITAL CORRESPONDENCE - RESPONSE TIME
Our Practice ensures that all hospital correspondence, such as discharge summaries, outpatient letters and investigation results, is processed promptly and accurately. Upon receipt, letters are logged and reviewed by a clinician or clinical pharmacist to identify any medication changes, follow-up actions or updates required in the patient's medical record. Appropriate actions are taken and patients are contacted if and when necessary.
Any urgent new or change to existing medication prescribed by a Consultant (the Hospital) should be issued by the Hospital Pharmacy prior to your discharge or following your appointment. Do not leave the hospital without your medication.
We aim to process hospital letters within 7-10 working days of receipt to maintain continuity of care. We handle all correspondence in line with GDPR and NHS data protection standards to ensure patient confidentiality.
The NHS prescription charge is a flat-rate amount which successive Governments have thought reasonable to charge for those who can afford to pay for their medicines. Prescription prepayment certificates (PPCs) offer real savings for people who need regular extensive medications.
CURRENT CHARGES (from 1st Apr 2026):
- Prescription (per item): £9.90
- PPC 3 or 12 months: https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/help-nhs-prescription-costs
- HRT PPC: https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/help-nhs-prescription-costs/nhs-hormone-replacement-therapy-prescription-prepayment-certificate-hrt-ppc
Use the links above to find out the current charges and to apply.
