Prescriptions

Ordering repeat prescriptions

The easiest ways to order repeat prescriptions are:

Repeat prescriptions are not available by telephone as this can lead to errors but you may post a request and send a stamped self-addressed envelope. 

Collecting your prescription

Please allow 48 hours (excluding weekends and bank holidays) before the prescription is to be collected from the surgery or the pharmacy of your choice. 

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

Questions about your prescription

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)

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.

Types of Medication

Under new prescribing guidelines, we are unable to give medication to delay periods for travel or sport under prescription. We can no longer provide an NHS or private prescription for this. If you would like to postpone your period, you can visit a pharmacy website by searching online for ‘delay period pill’, have an online counselling session with a pharmacist and order the medication privately from them.
After very careful consideration Green Cedars Medical Centre have reviewed our benzodiazepine prescribing and established our new policy not to prescribe benzodiazepines or sedatives (such as diazepam) to patients for fear of flying. Many other GP practices have a similar policy.

People often come to us requesting that we prescribe diazepam for fear of flying or to assist with sleep during flights.
Initially in the 1960s benzodiazepines including Diazepam (also known as ‘Valium’) were hailed as a wonder drug. However, it became increasingly clear that, as well as having short term deleterious effects on memory, co-ordination, concentration and reaction times, they were also addictive, with withdrawal leading to fits, hallucinations, agitation and confusion. Furthermore, they were found to have long-term effects on cognition and balance. Unfortunately, benzodiazepines have also become a widely used drug of abuse since they first came on the market. Because of these reasons the use of benzodiazepines has been a lot more controlled around the world since the 1980-90s; especially in the UK.

Diazepam in the UK is a Class C/Schedule IV controlled drug.

Guidance on Flying and Medication: Why we no longer prescribe for this purpose
Please note that we no longer provide Travel Sickness Medication. If this is required, please contact a Pharmacy for advice and purchase of the medication. 

Prescription charges

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

What to do with old medicines

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.

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.