Some of our patients manage their own repeat prescriptions by placing their requests with the GP practice or by ordering them online. However, other patients use a pharmacy service to place their repeat prescription order on their behalf.

If you currently use a pharmacy service to order your repeat prescriptions, this is now changing.

What is changing?

From 1^st August we will no longer accept repeat prescription requests from your pharmacy. You (or your carer/nominated family member/friend) will have to order your repeat prescription from the practice.

How do I order my prescription from my GP practice?

Your prescription will need to be ordered using one of the following options:

1. Drop off or post the tick slip to us – this is the white right-hand side of your prescription, selecting only the items you need.  If you don’t have your slip please put your request in writing listing the medications you require (this should include the full name and strength)
2. Ordering online - it is easier than you think and we at the practice will help you to set this up, meaning you can order 24/7.  For further details on how to access online ordering please speak to us.
3. Mobile Applications – There are free mobile apps such as patient access that you can download which enable you to order your medications. For further details on how to access online ordering please speak to us. (Mainly for Android or Iphone)

Unfortunately we are unable to take prescription requests over the phone as mistakes are more likely due to Confusion with drug name pronunciation or Errors made when writing out the request

What is not changing?

If you already order repeat prescriptions directly from your GP Practice this change will not affect you;

•        Pharmacies can continue to collect prescriptions from GP practices

•        Pharmacies can still receive prescriptions electronically.

•        Pharmacies can still that deliver medications and other items to you

 

Why is this change happening?

•       We are working with NHS Wirral Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and other Wirral GP practices to monitor and control medicines more closely. Evidence tells us that when patients order their own prescriptions this is safer for the patient and reduces waste.

• It is safer because ordering your repeat prescription directly from the practice means that your GP can better monitor your medications.
• Under the old system, some patients reported that they began to build up a large stock of unused medication. A lot of this medication could not be stored safely or be used within ‘use by’ date which is a safety concern
  
• Unused medicines or ‘medicines waste’ is estimated to cost the NHS Wirral approximately £2.1 million every year. This money can be used to fund other health care services in Wirral.
• For more information on the why the change is happening please visit www.wirralccg.nhs.uk

What can I do to help reduce medicines waste?

Before you order your repeat prescriptions:

•          Check how many days of medication you have left before ordering

•           Allow enough time when ordering your repeat prescription for those items that you need. You should order when you have 7-10 days of medicines left so that your prescription is ready to collect at the practice or at your nominated Pharmacy.

•       Please note it takes at least 48 hours to turn a prescription around in the GP surgery from ordering to it being ready to be collected.

•       Remember to only order the items you need

How do I get more help understanding this change?

If you need more help understanding this change please contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) on: 0800 054 2137 (freephone) or 0151 363 3948 or email wirralpals@wired.me.uk or post to:

PALS Wirral Information Resource for Equality and Diversity Ltd (WIRED) Unit 7, Wirral Business Park, Arrowe Brook Road, Upton, Wirral, CH49 1SX.      The PALS service is open Monday-Friday 9am-5pm.

Worried about being able to cope with this change?

If you are worried about the impact of this change on yourself or someone else and you feel that you will need further support please contact your GP Practice.

Important: Please do not stop taking any medication unless instructed to do so by your GP. 

Attachments

Our current appointment system offers book on the day for more pressing issues, pre-bookable 48 hrs in advance for issues that can wait a few days and pre-bookable 28 days in advance for routine appointments.  There are occasions when we simply have no available appointments left on the day.  

Please try to ensure that...

A) You let us know if you cannot attend an appointment, so your slot can be given to another patient.

or

B) You really need to be seen by a GP.  Lots of ailments can be treated by over the counter medicines or by the Think Pharmacy Scheme. This service is offering management, including prescriptions, for UTI, Migraine, Conjunctivitis, Impetigo, Fungal skin infection, Oral Thrush and is available at many pharmacies across Wirral including the one on site here.  This may reduce the time you have to wait to be seen.  

Thank you

We will be having some changes to GP's in practice over the next few months due to a couple of GP's leaving the practice.  

Dr Furlong left the practice at the beginning of February and will be replaced by Dr Maria Gillon, who starts in post on Monday 6th March.  Dr Gillon will be working for 3 ½ days per week.   

Dr Hallam, who is on maternity leave has handed in her resignation, due to family commitments and will leave the practice at the beginning of April.  Dr Hallam may still be seen here now and again as she will become a locum GP.   Dr Murray Freeman will be starting in post here in early July and will be working 2½ days per week.

We wish both Dr Furlong and Dr Hallam every success in the future and are looking forward to welcoming Dr Gillon and Dr Freeman to the practice.  

Dr Cathy Hicks will be returning from maternity leave/annual leave towards the end of April. We look forward to welcoming her back.

 

With the high winds today, the practice building has suffered some storm damage.  

Whilst weather reports are saying the storm will pass soon, we would like to inform patients to take care when entering or leaving the building on foot or in their cars.

Many Thanks

We are still able to provide patients with a free Flu vaccine.  However the eligibility criteria has changed from previous years, so ask at Reception or one of our Nurse team if you are eligible.

If you are not eligible for a free vaccine, you may purchase from some local pharmacies.