Patients Urged To Order Repeat Prescriptions Ahead of Christmas

Patients across Cheshire and Merseyside are being asked to plan ahead this Christmas by checking their regular medications and ordering any repeat prescriptions they might need early - using the NHS App.

The NHS is advising that any repeat prescriptions should be ordered by Friday 15th December to guarantee that they are available in time for the Christmas holiday period.

Using the NHS App to order regular medications is the quickest and easiest way to order a repeat prescription – and doing it online yourself also puts you in better control of your own health.

You can order your medication at a time that’s convenient for you, and select which pharmacy you would like your medication to be sent to.

The NHS App also allows you to access a range of other NHS services too. You can use it to view your GP health record, find your NHS number, register your donor status, check your vaccinations – and more.

By ordering your repeat prescriptions yourself through the NHS App – you’ll also help the NHS to reduce unnecessary medicine waste and save money, as you can just order what you need, when you need it.

Dr Fiona Lemmens, Deputy Medical Director for NHS Cheshire and Merseyside said:

 

"Downloading and using the NHS App is a simple step that patients can take in order to help support the NHS - particularly over winter, when health services can become extremely busy.

 

“The App is quick, easy and hassle-free way for patients to order their repeat medications and take better control of their own health. It’s also great for us as GPs too, because it has the added benefit of freeing up more of our time to support patients who are very unwell – so I’d urge everyone to try using it, if they can.”

The NHS App can be downloaded straight to your mobile phone or another device via the Apple App Store or Google Play, or if you don’t want to download an app, or would rather use a PC, you can also set up an NHS account and log in via the website: www.nhs.uk/nhs-app/account/.

If you would like to start ordering your repeat prescriptions online but you’re struggling to set up the NHS App, you can use the ‘Help’ button in the app or visit nhs.uk/helpmeapp

Susanne Lynch, Chief Pharmacist for NHS Cheshire and Merseyside said:

 

“The NHS App lets you order your repeat prescriptions yourself – meaning you can just order the medications you need, whenever you are running low, and, you can choose to send them to any pharmacy of your choice. 

“Don’t forget that when you’re ordering medication online, you will need to plan ahead – just as you do with paper-based prescriptions. It’s best to order your repeat prescription seven days in advance. Don’t wait until you’re just about to run out, as it can take time for your request to be approved by your GP practice and dispensed by the pharmacy - especially when they’re very busy.”

 

She adds, “Please also remember to check your medicines and order any repeat prescriptions in plenty of time before the Christmas bank holiday period when GP practices will be closed, and some pharmacies will also be closed or operating on reduced hours too.”

For details of opening times for pharmacies near you, including over Christmas, please go to: www.nhs.uk/service-search/pharmacy/find-a-pharmacy