Ordering Your NHS Prescriptions Using the NHS App. It Couldn’t Be Easier!
Dealing with repeat prescriptions can be a real headache. Waiting on hold to the doctor, trips to your GP surgery, and then more queues at the pharmacy to collect your medication. Well, no more. With the NHS App, the process has become a whole lot simpler. You can request your medication in just a few taps, wherever you are and whenever suits you.
No phone queues. No stress. Once your doctor has approved your request, your prescription can be sent directly to your chosen pharmacy. This includes the The Family Chemist, which can then deliver your prescription straight to your door. A system built with you in mind.
What can the NHS App do?
The NHS App has been created to give you a simple and secure way to access services and your own medical information. Putting you in control of your health. You can easily download it onto any smartphone or tablet.
With the NHS App you can:
- Book and manage appointments
- View your GP health record, including information such as allergies or past medications
- Book and manage NHS vaccinations
- Register your organ donation decision
- View your NHS number
- Use NHS 111 online to answer urgent questions or get instant advice
- You can order your repeat medications and track their approval
With the NHS App, you can only order medications which are on ‘repeat’ rather than one-off or urgent medications.
How do you order your repeat prescriptions?
The process couldn’t be simpler. When you are approaching the end of your current supply of medication (around one week left), follow these step-by-step instructions to reorder your regular medication.
If your repeat medication does not feature on the list for selection this can be because it’s unavailable to order until a future date, you are due a review for this medication, your previous repeat was dispensed by a hospital pharmacy, or if your pharmacy already manages your repeat supplies on your behalf.
What happens next?
Once you have submitted your request, it is sent to your GP for approval. They will review your request and ensure that everything is appropriate and correct before approving it.
Your prescription is then sent to your chosen pharmacy through a system called EPS, or Electronic Prescription Service. This works a little like email, sending prescriptions securely from the GP’s system directly to the pharmacy’s system. From there, the pharmacy will follow their own processes to prepare your medication.
If your chosen pharmacy is an online pharmacy such as The Family Chemist, once your medication is ready you will be notified that it is being sent to an address of your choice via Royal Mail. There’s no need to wait in long queues in your local pharmacy or worry about opening hours. With The Family Chemist NHS delivery service, your medication comes to you.
How long does the whole process take?
Most repeat prescription requests are approved and sent through to the pharmacy within 2-3 working days. In some cases it may be quicker, but occasional delays can happen. If this occurs, it’s worth checking your NHS App for updates as you can track your prescription’s progress and stay informed at every stage.
Once the prescription reaches the pharmacy, it will be fulfilled according to the pharmacy’s own processes. Many pharmacies offer a notification service to let you know when your prescription is ready for delivery or collection.
To ensure a smooth experience, it’s best to order your repeat prescription around one week before you run out. Signing up for SMS updates can also help keep you informed about your prescription’s progress.
The Bottom Line
Ordering repeat prescriptions through the NHS App is a simple and convenient way to manage your medication. Just a few quick taps on your phone sends your request to your GP, and once approved, it’s sent straight to your pharmacy of choice. With an online pharmacy, you can have your medication delivered directly to your door, making it an easy option to fit around your lifestyle.
Save time and discover a smoother, more convenient prescription process with The Family Chemist, delivering NHS Services.
