HOW
DO I....
OBTAIN
A REPEAT PRESCRIPTION?
Patients on regular medication will
require prescriptions and, for a safer and speedier service, these
are computerised. Your doctor will have entered onto the computer details of what medication
you are taking, and each time a new prescription is written by the computer a
new request form is also generated for you to make your next request. Please
ensure that you keep this slip.
- Allow two working days
for your prescription to be processed.
- If you have more than one repeat
prescription please try to order all your items together.
- If necessary, indicate on
the Repeat Prescription Request Form where you would like the prescription sent.
Please send a stamped addressed envelope if appropriate.
- Either deliver or post your Repeat
Prescription Request Form to the surgery.
- If you are receiving any medication
which is not on your request form, please add this clearly on the request slip
and it will be added after verification with the doctor.
- All patients on repeat medication
should see their doctor at least once a year for a medication review.
GENERIC MEDICINES
About Your Medicines
Next time you visit
us you may be prescribed medicines which look different to your last supply.
This may mean that the doctor has prescribed a generic medicine for you. If you
are worried about a change in the name or appearance of your medicines, check
with your pharmacist or doctor who will explain why they are different.
Where do your Medicines come from?
New drugs are developed
by drug companies who patent them and give them a special brand name. This is
so that other companies cannot copy them. It also helps people to remember the
name of their medicine. The other name for a medicine is its generic name. One
example of a generic medicine is paracetamol, which is commonly known by the
brand name Panadol.
What is a Generic Medicine?
After the patent has
run out for a branded medicine other companies can manufacture it under a generic
name. The medicine is just as safe and effective as the original branded product
but it is usually much cheaper. Using generic medicines saves the NHS millions
of pounds and allows money to be spent on you and other patients.
Why do Generic Medicines Look Different?
The original colour
and shape of branded medicines are sometimes included in the patent, so you may
notice that your generic medicines are different in colour, size, shape and even
taste. This does not alter the effect of the medicine. In some cases tablets
and capsules have special coatings so that the medicine lasts longer in the body
and the doctor may feel that it is best for you to stick to one brand.
Some Tips To Remember
Discuss any worries
about your medicines with your pharmacist or doctor.
Know your medication
by its generic name and strength.
Take your prescription
to the same pharmacy each time.
Generic prescribing
is simple and can save the NHS money. You and other patients can benefit from
this extra money and the improvements to healthcare that it can bring.
HOW
DO I....
OBTAIN
A SICKNESS CERTIFICATE?
You do not require a doctor's certificate
for any illness lasting six days or less. Your employer, however, may require
you to complete a "self certificate" which you can obtain either from
your employer or local DSS office (it is not obligatory to see a doctor for this).
After the seventh day you will need a doctor's certificate and you need to be
seen by your doctor.
Private certificates for claiming
benefit for private health insurance for BUPA/PPP claims etc, and certificates
for HGV/PSV licences and for various sporting bodies can be provided. A fee is
chargeable for these items at the BMA recommended rates.
Do I Have To
Pay For Anything?
Everything concerned with your health
or that of your family is free (except prescriptions unless you are entitled
to get them free). For most other services including medicals, private certificates
and passports a fee is charged at the rate recommended by the British Medical
Association, as is also the case with some travel vaccines. We do accept cheques
with a valid guarantee card.
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