We have made improvements to
the way we organise and issue repeat prescriptions. We now only issue
repeat prescriptions for one month at a time. All the Danebridge
Doctors support this policy.
What are the benefits of
28-day prescribing?
-
Most
patients should only have to visit the practice once a month to
collect all their repeat medicines. Presently a large number of
patients make several visits to their doctor a month because their
medicines all run out at different times.
-
Companies
already manufacture a large number of medicines in 28-day calendar
packs. These packs have patient information leaflets inside and
ideally they should not be broken into. The government is
encouraging companies to manufacture more medicines in these types
of packs
-
It
is easier to review all of the repeat medicines. Your doctor
needs to review your medication on a regular basis to make sure that
you are getting the best treatment
-
It
will reduce waste. Around 10% of all medicines dispensed are not
used. That adds up to about £300,000 a year for Danebridge. Waste
can occur because treatments are stopped, changed, ordered by
mistake or lost. If larger amounts are given out each time , the
amounts wasted are greater.
-
It
will reduce the amount of medicine you have at home. Medicines
can be dangerous if taken by people they are not intended for, and
safe storage can be a problem with large amounts of medicines. If
large quantities are issued that may go out of date before they are
needed and may not work properly.
What
if I pay for my prescriptions?
If
you pay for your prescriptions, you may be able to save money by getting
a prepayment certificate. It is cheaper to buy a prepayment certificate
if you get more than one item on prescription each month. You can get an
application form from the surgery, from a community pharmacy, by phoning
0845 850 0030 or from the web at: www.doh.gov.uk/nhscharges/fp95form.pdf.
What
if I have a question?
Questions
and concerns may be raised via the suggestion box in reception at the
surgery.
Repeat
Prescription Checklist
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Remember
to order your medicines once a month
-
Only
order the medicines that you need
-
Make
sure that you don't run out - let us have your request while you
still have a few days of medication in hand.
-
Allow
two working days for your prescription to be issued
-
If
you are running out of some medicines early or are being given too
much, please tell the practice.
-
Take
any medicines you don't need to your local pharmacy for safe
disposal
-
Make
sure your medicines are stored safely
-
Remember
that your doctor will want to review your medicines from time to
time.
