If you are on regular medication you will be required to request future issues.

Requests can be made:

1. (Recommended) online with the NHS App or other GP Online Services
2. Via the NHS website
3. Through your pharmacy
4. Email your request to mailto:ccmp.prescriptions@nhs.net?subject=Prescription%20Request&body=NHS%20Number%20(if%20known)%3A%20%0ADate%20of%20birth%3A%20%0AFull%20name%3A%20%0APostcode%3A%20%0A%0AItems%20I%20require%3A%0A
5. On paper - Use your repeat order form by ticking items you require and posting or handing into the surgery

If you require a medication that you have had previously but it is not on your repeat list, you will not be able to order this online. Please contact reception and request the medication as you may be asked to speak to, or see one of the doctors to ensure the medication is appropriate and safe to prescribe.

We are unable to accept repeat prescriptions over the telephone, unless you are registered as housebound; this is to avoid any possible prescribing errors.

Please also note, if a repeat prescription is requested too early without reason, it may be returned or you may be telephoned to establish the reason. This is to safeguard patients and the practice from overuse or misuse of medication.

GP Online Services allow patients to book appointments, request medication, view medical records and more.

Registering for GP Online Services

If you are 16+ with suitable photo ID, you can self-register by downloading the NHS App (Note: This is not the NHS COVID App). If you are unable to get through the self-registration, please contact the surgery for an alternative method of accessing online services.

If you require online services for someone who lacks capacity to make their own care decision (e.g. young children or an ill relative), please first self-register for the NHS App for yourself and then contact the surgery regarding adding additional patients to your account. Older children may need their own account created by the surgery if they are deemed competent to make decisions about their own care.

Further information about the NHS App

General information on GP Online Services

• Patients leaving prescription request forms at their chosen pharmacy should collect their medication from that pharmacy.
• Patients leaving prescription request forms at the surgery should collect their prescription from the surgery and take it to the pharmacy of your choice, unless the patient has a nominated pharmacy which the practice will automatically send the prescription to.
• Patients who require delivery of their medication should speak directly to their chosen pharmacy who can often facilitate these requirements.
• In order for us to send your repeat prescriptions to the correct pharmacy please make sure you inform us of your nominated pharmacy. There are “update my details” forms in both surgeries to keep all your important details up to date!

Make sure you order in plenty of time

Please allow 5 working days for repeat prescriptions to be processed, taking into account weekends and public holidays. The table below provides guidance on when to expect your prescription following a request. It is your responsibility to order your medication in plenty of time to avoid being without the drugs you need.

When collecting your prescription from either our East Bergholt or Capel St Mary site, or opting to send it electronically please consider the local pharmacies you have access to.

Capel Pharmacy

Capel Pharmacy is located within the premises of our Capel St Mary site.

Capel Pharmacy offers a free home delivery service to their customers and also accommodates a limited number of patients requiring blister packs. These arrangements need to be made directly with Capel Pharmacy.

They now stock a range of over the counter remedies.

Pharmacy Opening times

Monday – Friday: 08.30am – 6.15pm (Closed between 1pm-2pm for lunch)

Capel Pharmacy contact – 01473 311322

East Bergholt Pharmacy – Day Lewis

East Bergholt pharmacy is located on Gaston Street nearby the village shop and bakery.

Pharmacy Opening times

Monday – Friday: 9am – 6pm (Closed between 1pm – 2pm for lunch)
Saturday: 9.00 – 1pm

East Bergholt Pharmacy contact – 01206 298267

Dedham Pharmacy

Dedham Pharmacy is located on the high street opposite Dedham church.

Pharmacy Opening times

Monday – Saturday: 9am – 5.30pm

Dedham Pharmacy contact : 01206 322109

Pharmacists are very knowledgeable and can often advise over the counter remedies in stock at their premises! Please do follow their advice if encouraged to seek medical advice from your GP!

Don’t forget your EPS prescription can be sent anywhere in the UK! If you find yourself needing medication away from your local pharmacy a prescription can be sent elsewhere. All you will need is the postcode and address of the pharmacy you would like it to be temporarily sent to. Please ensure you switch back to your preferred pharmacy after doing so if not your repeat medication will continue to be sent there.

Help with NHS costs

In England, around 90% of prescription items are dispensed free. This includes exemptions from charging for those on low incomes, such as:

• those on specific benefits or through the NHS Low Income Scheme
• those who are age exempt
• those with certain medical conditions
• More information is available at NHS Choices

These charges apply in England only. In Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales prescriptions are free of charge.

• Prescription (per item): £9.65
• 12-month prepayment certificate (PPC): £111.60
• 3-month PPC: £31.25

If you will have to pay for four or more prescription items in three months or more than 14 items in 12 months, you may find it cheaper to buy a PPC.

• Telephone advice and order line 0845 850 0030
• General Public - Buy or Renew a PPC On-line

There is further information about prescription exemptions and fees on the NHS website.

Patients on repeat medication will be asked to see a doctor, nurse practitioner or practice nurse at least once a year to review these regular medications and notification should appear on your repeat slip. Please ensure that you book an appropriate appointment to avoid unnecessary delays to further prescriptions.

A Structured Medication Review takes place with a Clinical Pharmacist and is a comprehensive review of your medications to ensure they are prescribed safely and appropriately, as well as confirming that medicines you have been taking for a long time are all still necessary. The Clinical Pharmacist will discuss your medicines with you and answer any questions or concerns you may have. 

There are several reasons why you may have been offered this review. These include but are not limited to:

• You are taking a large number of different medicines
• You are taking medicines which are frequently associated with medication errors
• You are taking medicines which can be addictive
• You have recently been discharged from hospital

Please allow up to 40 minutes for this appointment.  If your appointment is face to face, please bring your medicines with you. You may wish to have a family member, friend or carer with you.