Regular items are added to your "repeat list". This list will have a limited number of repeats available and a limited time period over which they can be ordered. The reason for this is safety. Obviously some medicines are safer than others and thus repeat durations and numbers may vary.

Repeats can be obtained in a number of ways. The only way they cannot be obtained is over the phone. It is too easy for errors to be made using this method so you will be asked to use one of the alternatives. These are: -

• Use the repeat form you were given when the repeat was set up.
• Register for our online services and order via the link at the top of this page.
• Get your chemist to order for you. We do not particularly recommend this method as it too often leads to over-ordering.
• Email us direct; repeatprescriptions.schc@nhs.net

Repeat prescriptions usually only two working days to organise and can be sent directly to one of those chemists that collect from us or who you have allocated to receive electronically from us.

People who are stable and take their medication properly and regularly (and we can tell when you don't!) may be offered or request batch prescriptions.

If this is considered appropriate for you, you will be given enough prescriptions to see you through to your next review, these will go electronically to your chosen pharmacy and will be ready for you to collect directly from the pharmacist each month.

It is important that medication is reviewed on a regular basis so once the repeat period is over there will be no more prescriptions given until a review has taken place.

This is even true if you are under the care of a specialist. This is because the final responsibility for a prescription lies with the person who signs it, not the person who started it.