Repeat Prescriptions
	If the Doctor suggests that you have a repeat prescription, you will be given a computer printed request form and the Doctor will explain how it is used. We need two working days to process your prescriptions safely Day handed in Day ready Monday Wednesday after 5pm Tuesday Thursday after 5pm Wednesday Friday after 5pm Thursday Monday after 5pm Friday Tuesday after 5pm Please use the computer slip and hand or fax to the surgery. We do not accept telephone requests for safety reasons. We are happy to send prescriptions directly to Lloyds chemist on Heath Road or back to you in a stamped addressed envelope. Your repeats are authorised for a certain number and you will then be 'due for review'. If you have not had your medication reviewed recently, please make an appointment with the doctor. We like to see you on at least an annual basis to monitor the effects of the medication and determine whether there is a more suitable alternative. The doctor may invite you to come for a medication review. If you do not attend, the medication will be removed from repeat prescription until we have reviewed its benefit. If you are asked to come for blood tests before the medication review, please have these done at least a week before you see the doctor. The results will guide the medication given to you. The drug budget is millions of pounds overspent and essential services will be cut if this is not addressed. With this in mind, we have been told to change all our repeat prescriptions to 28 days. Over the forthcoming months we will be changing all prescriptions except HRT and the contraceptive pill (these will be 3 monthly). If you have any objections to this, please raise them directly with Maidstone and Weald PCT rather than with individual doctors (see useful telephone numbers). It is anticipated that this will produce significant cost savings to the NHS by avoiding wastage. Please tick only the items that you require on your repeat prescription slip. Please do not hoard or over order your medication. Please do not cash in your prescription unless you intend to take it. The medication cannot be used by anyone else even if returned to the pharmacist completely untouched. If you are unsure how to use a medication or are worried about side effects, please discuss this with your local pharmacist (or www.askyourpharmacist.co.uk). If he cannot help he will refer you back to the doctor.
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