Urgent Prescription Request Policy

Why do we need this policy? 

Due to the increasing numbers of patients requesting their prescription on an urgent basis, the practice has needed to instate an ‘Urgent Prescription Request policy’.

Requests for prescriptions outside of routine prescription procedures impact significantly on both doctors and administration staff time, as well as increasing the risk of a medication prescribing errors.

Unless a medication is urgent to prevent immediate harm, all prescriptions should be requested routinely. Any request that doesn’t meet emergency requirements will be declined and you will be politely reminded of the practice policy for routine medication requests.

Exceptions may be needed at the GPs discretion, however these will not be based on the relationship with the GP or how long you have been registered with our practice.

What is considered an emergency request and what is not?

*These are NOT regarded as emergency and medical opinion is that you will NOT suffer harm if you are without them for 48hr

The above list is not exhaustive and reception may need to discuss with the duty doctor if unsure.

What about Hospital medications?

You should notify reception if recently supplied hospital medications and you require further prescriptions. Where possible, you will be advised to provide a copy of the letter detailing the medication.

All hospital medication requests (including private clinics / hospitals) will be processed through the routine prescription process. The majority of these requests are non-urgent and hospitals are required to issue any urgent / new medications on discharge.