Prescriptions

Ordering repeat prescriptions

The easiest way to order repeat prescriptions is:

• using your NHS account (through the NHS website or in the NHS App)

This account shows you all your repeat medicine and dosage and you can choose the ones you need.

You can also:

• phone our repeat prescriptions answerphone on 016973 44668, available 24/7.
• Use the repeat ordering slip on your previous prescription. Leave it at the surgery or post it to us

We do not take repeat prescription requests over email or at the reception desk.

Collecting your prescription

If you collect your prescriptions from a local pharmacy please check their processing times before collection.

You will need to choose a pharmacy to collect your prescription from. We call this nominating a pharmacy.

Changing your nominated pharmacy

You can change your nominated pharmacy at any time:

• on the NHS app or website where you order repeat prescriptions
• at your GP practice in writing
• at any pharmacy that accepts repeat prescriptions – Find a pharmacy – NHS
• via the prescriptions answerphone on 016973 44668

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)

If you have any questions about your prescription, you can contact the surgery by using our online form:

• Submit an admin query via the online consult form

Medication reviews

If you have a repeat prescription, we may ask you to complete a medication questionnaire. Or come in for a medication review. We will be in touch when you need to come in for a review.

Find out about prescriptions charges

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

What to do with old medicines

We are not able to take old medicine from you please take it back to the nominated pharmacy. Do not put it in your household bin or flush it down the toilet.

Medication Exemption Certificate

It is the medical exemption certificate that entitles you to free NHS prescriptions, not the medical condition. If you do not have a valid medical exemption certificate, you may be liable for a penalty charge.

Find out if you’re entitled to NHS dental treatment and other help with health cost using the NHS eligibility checker.

Prescription Prepayment Certificates (PPCs)

If you regularly pay prescription charges or get prescribed hormone replacement therapy (HRT) medicines, a PPC could save you money. There are two types of PPC available:

• the 3 or 12 month NHS Prescription Prepayment certificate (PPC) which covers all your NHS prescriptions
• the NHS Hormone Replacement Therapy Prescription Prepayment Certificate (HRT PPC) which covers certain NHS prescribed HRT medicines

Requests for Medication for Travel

Travelling out of the country for less than 3 months:

For patients who inform us they will be out of the country for less than 3 months, we will provide sufficient medicines for an existing condition (e.g. asthma, diabetes…) for the period while the patient is away where it is safe to do so. Drugs that require frequent monitoring may not be prescribed where there are safety concerns. Supply of any medication is at the discretion of the GP.

Travelling out of the country for more than 3 months:

Patients who inform us they will be leaving the country for more than 3 months will be prescribed sufficient medication to enable them to make alternative arrangements at their destination (up to 3 months’ supply where safe to do so).

Controlled Drugs

There is a good practice requirement that Schedule 2, 3 or 4 CDs be limited to a quantity for 30 days treatment.

A prescriber may issue prescriptions for a longer period where they believe it to be justified.

NHS Policy

By law, the NHS ceases to have responsibility for the medical care of patients when they leave the UK.  In addition GPs are not required by their terms of service to provide prescriptions for the treatment of a condition that is not present and may arise while the patient is abroad.

The NHS does accept responsibility for supplying ongoing medication for temporary periods abroad of up to 3 months. However, if a person is going to be abroad for more than 3 months, then they are only entitled (at NHS expense) to a sufficient supply of regular medication in order to get to their destination, where they should then find an alternative supply of that medication.

Patients residing abroad for a period of more than 3 months should be removed from the registered patient list.

Advice if travelling outside the UK with medicines

• Only take enough medicines for your own needs.  Do not take excessive quantities.
• Medicines need to be carried on the person i.e. not in luggage that goes into the hold
• All medicines should be in the labelled containers they were dispensed in by the pharmacy
• Carry a copy of an up to date repeat list
• Other countries have their own import laws for prescription medicine and controlled drugs.  You could get a fine or go to prison if you travel with medicine that is illegal in another country. Check with the embassy of the country you’re going to before you travel or your travel agent may be able to assist with advice.

Patient Information: Policy on Medication for delaying periods

Like many GP practices in the UK we now have guidance discouraging the prescribing of medications like norethisterone to delay periods for non-medical reasons, such as holidays or special events. This is because postponing menstruation for convenience is a lifestyle measure rather than treating a clinical condition.

However, you can obtain period delay medication through a private consultation with a pharmacist, or using an online pharmacy service. Pharmacies offer services where, after assessing your suitability, they can provide medications like norethisterone to delay your period.

Norethisterone may not be suitable for everyone, especially those with a history of blood clots. Potential side effects include breast tenderness, nausea, headaches, and mood changes.

For more information on periods and menstrual health, you can visit the NHS website.

Patient Information: Policy on Benzodiazepine Prescriptions for Fear of Flying and Procedural Anxiety

At Wigton Group Medical Practice, we are committed to ensuring safe and effective medical care for all our patients. We follow national guidelines regarding the use of benzodiazepines (e.g., diazepam, lorazepam) and, as part of our policy, we do not prescribe these medications for fear of flying or anxiety related to medical procedures.

Why Have We Made This Decision?

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

• Health Risks: Benzodiazepines can cause drowsiness, impaired coordination, and memory problems, increasing the risk of falls and accidents; the addition of alcohol increases these risks even further.
• Dependence & Withdrawal: Regular use can lead to dependence, and sudden withdrawal can cause serious symptoms.
• Travel Safety Concerns: The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) advises against the use of sedatives when flying due to potential health risks, including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and reduced awareness in an emergency.
• Short term Effectiveness: The prescribing guidelines that doctors follow (British National Formulary) states that diazepam is contraindicated (not allowed) in treating phobic states and that ‘the use of benzodiazepines to treat short-term ‘mild’ anxiety is inappropriate’. Your doctor would be taking a significant legal risk by prescribing against these guidelines.
• Long-Term Effectiveness: Evidence suggests that benzodiazepines do not provide a lasting solution to anxiety and may worsen symptoms over time.

Alternative Support for Anxiety Management

We understand that fear of flying and procedural anxiety can be distressing. We recommend the following approaches:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): A proven technique to manage anxiety effectively.
• Relaxation and Breathing Exercises: Mindfulness, meditation, and controlled breathing can help manage stress.
• Gradual Exposure Techniques: Step-by-step desensitization to flying or procedures can reduce anxiety.
• Medication Alternatives: In some cases, short-term use of beta-blockers may help manage physical symptoms of anxiety.

There are a number of aviation industry recommended flight anxiety courses which are easily accessible for those who wish to address their anxiety in order to be able to fly:

1. Easy Jet Fear of flying course | Fearless Flyer Tel 0203 8131644
2. British Airways Fear of flying courses from British Airways™ | Flying With Confidence Tel 01252 793250
3. Virgin Tips For Nervous Flyers | Advice For Nervous Flyers | Virgin Atlantic

The above concerns also apply to people undergoing MRI scans or other procedures, as well as the following:

• A patient might attend for a procedure having taken a sedative at a certain interval beforehand, only for the procedure to then be delayed making the timing of the effect of the anxiolytic inappropriate
• GPs are not regularly experienced, skilled, trained or appraised in sedation skills
• Sedated patients require regular monitoring and there have been reported cases of insufficient monitoring being provided during a scan resulting in the patient having a respiratory arrest in the MRI machine

You may wish to discuss this with your consultant or radiologist regarding the next steps; all hospital consultants have access to the same prescribing abilities as GPs and if they recommend a certain medication to enable an investigation to go ahead, they are in a position to provide a prescription.

What If I Have Taken Benzodiazepines Before?

We understand that it can be frustrating to feel like you are being denied a treatment that you have felt has worked for you in the past. However as with many other areas of medicine, evidence is constantly changing and guidelines based on the risks and benefits of treatments are continually revised. Clinicians have to take this into serious consideration when deciding what treatments are appropriate and safe – the safety of our patients is the top priority.

Need More Support?

If anxiety is significantly impacting your daily life, please speak to your GP practice for further advice and referral options.

We appreciate your understanding and are here to support you in finding safer, long-term solutions for anxiety management.

Changes to ADHD Medication Prescribing and Monitoring

From 1 February 2026, the practice will no longer accept responsibility for the prescribing or routine monitoring of ADHD medications initiated by specialist services.

These medications require specialist oversight. The clinicians who initiate treatment are best placed to undertake ongoing review, monitor effectiveness, manage side effects, and ensure patient safety.

Existing patients:
For patients already established on ADHD medication, the practice will continue prescribing on an interim basis. However, this is dependent on the specialist provider fulfilling their responsibility for regular review and follow-up.

Where appropriate specialist review is not undertaken, the practice reserves the right to stop prescribing. In such circumstances, prescribing will not be restarted in line with this policy.

Patients will therefore need to ensure they remain under the care of their specialist provider for continued treatment.

If you have any questions or require support in identifying your specialist provider, please contact the practice team.