What is the reason for 28-day prescribing?
28-day prescribing is recognised by the NHS as making the best possible balance between patient convenience, good medical practice, and minimal medicine wastage.
What does 28-day prescribing mean for you?
When you are being prescribed a repeat medicine, your doctor prescribes enough of each medicine to last you for 28 days. For example, if you are taking 2 tablets a day you will receive 56 tablets, 3 tablets a day 84 tablets, 4 tablets a day 112 tablets etc.
Are there any exceptions?
A few medicines are unsuitable for 28-day prescribing, this is based on pack size. There will be no other exceptions.
What are the benefits of 28-day prescribing?
- You will always start (and finish) each medicine on the same day of the week so will reduce the likelihood of you running out of one of your medicines.
- It will be easier for your doctor to review all of the repeat medicines you are taking and to see if you might be having problems with any of your medicines.
- Companies manufacture many medicines in 28-day ‘calendar packs’ that show the day of the week on the packaging. This packaging allows you to check that you have taken your medication each day. These packs also have patient information leaflets inside.
- 28-day prescribing reduces the amount of medicine which is wasted when medicines are stopped or changed by doctors.
What about cost?
The majority of patients collecting repeat prescriptions do not pay prescription charges.
If you pay prescription charges a Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC) will save you money if you have more than 3 prescription items in 3 months or more than 11 prescription items in 12 months.
More details can be found on the NHS Website at https://www.nhs.uk/nhs- services/prescriptions-and-pharmacies/save-money-with-a-prescription-prepayment- certificate-ppc/
Ordering your Repeat Prescriptions
Repeat prescriptions can be ordered via the NHS App or via The Culverhay website. Prescriptions – Culverhay Surgery
Visit https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-app/ for more information or speak to a member of the Culverhay team if you are not currently registered for online access.
What about holidays and travelling abroad?
You may receive prescriptions to cover your time abroad. This is at the discretion of the surgery but must be for no longer than three months (exceptional circumstances).
If you plan to travel abroad with medicines, it is important that you check the rules for the country you’re going to before you travel. Visit https://www.travelhealthpro.org.uk/factsheet/43/medicines-and-travel or https://www.gov.uk/take-medicine-in-or-out-uk for more information.
Summary
- 28-day prescribing has important benefits for patients.
- All medicines should last for the same number of days. If you are running out of some items or have too much of some medication, please tell the GP Practice.
- Do not stockpile medicines at home; only order items that you need.
- Return unwanted medication to your local pharmacy for safe disposal.
How to complain
If you are unhappy with our services please contact the practice for a copy of the practice complaints procedure.
However, if you feel you cannot raise your complaint with us directly, you can contact:
NHS Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board (ICB)
Primary care services are commissioned by the NHS England Area Teams. You can make a complaint about primary care services in Gloucestershire to the Commissioner by contacting:
Chief Executive Officer
NHS Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board
Shire Hall
Westgate Street
Gloucester
GL1 2TG
Tel: 01452 943323 (Office Reception)
Email: glicb.enquiries@nhs.net
Website: NHS Gloucestershire ICB
