As of Monday 3rd March 2025, The Chipping Surgery will no longer accept prescription requests over the telephone.
Why is this changing?
The main reason for this change is safety. Discrepancies occur when a patient believes they have ordered medication, but this does not match what they have been given. Drug names are similar and difficult for patients to remember or pronounce. The practice is becoming busier and patient demand is increasing. In order to minimise the risk of error, the decision has been made to no longer take prescription requests over the telephone.
Reducing potential errors will also save the NHS money. Unwanted prescriptions that have been incorrectly issued is wasteful. This helps align with the NHS Only Order What You Need Campaign
Day-to-day workload pressures are increasing. The telephone lines are very busy, and we need to safely manage the calls as they arrive.
Whilst we understand that some of our patients may not be happy with this decision, our aim is always to ensure patient safety whilst managing our increasing workload. It is not an unusual decision to withdraw this way of requesting prescriptions within modern general practice.
The Keepers, the local community hub, offer Digital Drop In sessions every other Monday between 11:30am & 1:30pm (next one 10th Feb) to support individuals in using technology, including NHS App and SystmOnline.
How do I order my medication?
The easiest way to order repeat prescriptions are:-
- Via the NHS App
- via the practice website using SystmOnline or our repeat prescription form
- In person – a prescription box is available at the dispensary hatch
- In person – by completing the repeat script on collection and leaving it with us
- By post
*Please remember to use your re-order slip where possible – we cannot accept requests without clear patient and medication information
For our most vulnerable patients, if you feel you are unable to order a prescription using one of the above methods, please contact the Dispensary Team on 01453 842214, opt 2 to discuss this further.
Will this affect my repeat medication?
Patients requesting their repeat medication need to follow the process outlined above.
Will this affect medication requested by the pharmacy, including pathfinder?
No, the pharmacies request medication process remains unchanged.
Will it take any longer?
No, turnaround time remains at 3 full working days.
I don’t know how to use the NHS App.
You can speak to one of our NHS App ambassadors within the practice, just ask at reception and someone can come and support you.