Update:  March 2020

Due to the situation with COVID-19 the electronic prescribing system (EPS) is being used for every prescription sent from the practice.

This means that when you order you will be asked to nominate a pharmacy of your choice within the local area, this will essesntially lower the amount of people coming through the health centre and pharmacies during the time of social distancing and self isolation.

No prescriptions can be picked up in person from the practice all prescriptions must be sent to a pharmacy

please also note that pharmacies can deliver your prescriptions if you are self isolating but this must be organised with the pharmacy and the practice has no control over this.

For your convieniance we have added a list of opening times for each pharmacy in the local area:

• Geloo's __ 09:00am - 13:00pm (Lunch) 14:00pm - 18:30pm
• Market Street __ 07:30am - 22:00pm
• Cohen's __ 08:30am - 12:00pm (Lunch) 14:30pm - 18:00pm
• Boot's __ 08:00am - 12:00pm (Lunch) 14:30pm - 18:00pm
• Everest __ 09:00am - 18:00pm
• Church Street __ 09:00am - 17:30pm

It is Practice policy when issuing repeat medications, to only issue a 28 day supply of medication.  Issuing only 28 days of medication is regarded as safe prescribing and best practice.  This is now common practice across many areas of the county.

To support patients who find it difficult financially, the NHS has made provision for purchasing a pre-payment certification which may be of benefit to some patients who are on regular stable medication.  Further information about this scheme can be found below.

If your long-term medication has been approved on a repeat prescription basis there are a number of ways for you to order. Please ensure you only list the items you actually need rather than the whole list:

• In person/by post – you can drop your repeat slip off at reception or post a request to us. If you want your prescription posted back to you please enclose a stamped addressed envelope.
• Online – Please click the following link to register to the App:- MyGP
• Telephone - The prescription line is open between 10:00am to 12:00pm and  2pm to 4pm
• Repeat dispensing Scheme - ask your prescription clerk and about the Repeat Dispensing Scheme.

Please note, if you are on up to 6 regular medications per month please ask about our Repeat Prescribing System.

Please allow two full working days for prescriptions to be processed and remember to take weekends and bank holidays into account. If you are collecting a prescription on behalf of someone else you may be asked to sign to say you have collected the items.

If you have any issues please telephone the prescription line which is open between 10:00 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 16:00 Monday to Friday.

An acute prescription is for medication that you do not take on a regular basis. The Doctor may wish to leave you a prescription instead of a consultation; therefore the prescription will be ready for collection at 17:30 the same day of request.

Patients on repeat medication will be asked to see a doctor, advanced nurse practitioner, nurse practitioner or 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.

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): £9.15
• 12-month prepayment certificate (PPC): £105.90
• 3-month PPC: £29.65

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.

As a practice we encourage patients currently prescribed hypnotics or anxiolytics to seek advice with their General Practitioner (GP) who will be happy to review the medication and if appropriate develop a withdrawal regime.

This medication includes:

Please speak with our medication team if you require any further information either by phone on

01254 226600 (option 1) or in person at the medication desk based on the first floor of Darwen Health Centre.

The Local clinical commissioning group (CCG) for Blackburn with Darwen carried out engagement with local GPs and local residents about the prescribing of medicines for minor ailments.

Around 1600 people took part in the engagement survey and there was overwhelming support that we should stop funding these types of prescriptions.

From the 3rd July 2017 these items included below will no longer be routinely prescribed

Why?

By keeping a selection of essential medications at home you can treat common conditions quickly and avoid trips to your GP. Store all medicines in a safe place, out of reach of children and always check expiry dates before using.

Return all out of date medications to your local pharmacist.