Ordering repeat prescriptions

Patients can quickly and securely order their repeat prescriptions using the NHS App on your smartphone or through the NHS Account by logging in to the NHS App Online.  

Need help ordering your repeat prescription via the NHS App? Watch ‘How to Order Repeat Prescriptions’ video for step-by-step support.

For more information about the NHS App, please visit our Online Services page, or view our NHS App: Frequently Asked Questions.

Collecting your prescription

You can usually collect your prescription from the pharmacy 3 to 5 working days after you have ordered it.

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

You can change your nominated pharmacy at any time:

• on the app or website where you order repeat prescriptions
• at your GP practice
• at any pharmacy that accepts repeat prescriptions

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)

Medication reviews

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

Prescription charges

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

What to do with old medicines

Take it to the pharmacy you got it from or bring it in to the surgery. Do not put it in your household bin or flush it down the toilet.

About pharmacists

As qualified healthcare professionals, pharmacists can offer advice on minor illnesses such as:

• coughs
• colds
• sore throats
• tummy trouble
• aches and pains

They can also advise on medicine that you can buy without a prescription.

• Find a pharmacy (nhs.uk)

Many pharmacies are open until late and at weekends. You do not need an appointment.

Most pharmacies have a private consultation room where you can discuss issues with pharmacy staff without being overheard.

If you’ve been off sick for more than 7 days

To request a sick note:

• send an online message
• phone or visit the surgery from 10am to 6pm

If you’ve been off sick for 7 days or less

If you’re off work sick for 7 days or less, your employer should not ask for medical evidence that you’ve been ill. Instead, they can ask you to confirm that you’ve been ill. You can do this by filling in a form yourself when you return to work. We call this self-certification.

Find out more about sick notes on the NHS website.

NHS Bromley Musculoskeletal (MSK) Services

Self-Refer to our NHS Physiotherapy service:

Getting help

We deliver a range of NHS Physical (Musculoskeletal) Health services that involve helping people from age 16+ to the elderly, from all walks of life. We have a team of experts who are committed to improving the way you move and enhancing your quality of life, by giving you the most suitable treatment for an injury or condition.

What is Self-referral?

If you are 16 years or older and have back, neck, joint or general muscle problems you can now self-refer to physiotherapy without the need for a GP appointment. You can still see your GP to be referred, but self-referral aims to give you rapid access direct to a physiotherapy assessment. Self-referral gives you rapid access to a physiotherapist without the need to see your GP, thus improving your access and wait time. It puts you in control of your care.

How does it work?

If you feel that you would benefit from our services and are registered with a Bromley GP and you would like to self-refer, then follow the instructions below:

Online referral

Using this online Physiotherapy assessment tool will allow you to answer a series of questions in your own time. We can then direct you to the most appropriate care for you as quickly as possible. You can access this tool 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Alternatively we will contact you within 7 days to confirm a telephone or video appointment with a Physiotherapist to understand your problem and guide your next steps.

Please have your NHS number ready – if you don’t have your NHS number to hand then simply use the NHS website.

Our Clinical Pharmacy Team

Did you know that your GP surgery has access to a team of clinical pharmacists to help support with your health management? Many people aren’t aware and are unsure about how a clinical pharmacist can assist them.

Clinical pharmacists work as part of your GP surgery team to assist with day-to-day medicine issues. They are highly trained experts in medicines, who also consult with and treat patients directly.

This includes providing extra help to manage long-term conditions, advice for those on multiple medications and better access to health checks.

Their role is pivotal to improving the quality of care and ensuring patient safety.

Clinical pharmacists in GP surgeries are an integral part of the NHS Long Term Plan to make it easier for patients to have access to the right health professional for their needs.

The Bromley GP Alliance clinical pharmacists are from various backgrounds and well experienced in diverse areas including community, hospital, outpatient or mental health pharmacies – each bringing their unique insights and skills to provide Bromley residents with the best care.

---

How can a clinical pharmacist help me?

• If you have a long term condition, a clinical pharmacist can offer advice on the medicines you are taking to ensure you get the best outcome.
• They can help you make changes to your lifestyle to help you stay well.
• If your medicine is making you feel worse or causing other symptoms, a clinical pharmacist can help by reviewing your medication and help plan appropriate management.
• If you take multiple medicines, a clinical pharmacist can help you plan and manage them.
• They can also provide health checks such as checking your blood pressure and arranging blood tests.
• Clinical pharmacists may be able to prescribe your medicines in the same way as your GP.

Clinical pharmacists have vast clinical knowledge and they are there to help you.

Your GP surgery will always direct your query to the most appropriate member of the team, so, the next time a clinical pharmacist from your practice gives you a call, be assured you are speaking to a highly trained professional, who is eager to help with your query and help you get well.

---

This blog was written by Geeta Maharaj, who is one of BGPA’s clinical pharmacists working in Bromley.