Prescriptions

Prescribing In General

The area of prescribing drugs is of great concern to doctors and patients.

Drugs may be issued as a "one off" treatment (acute prescription) or, for chronic conditions (such as diabetes or asthma), as a 'repeat prescription'.

Acute prescriptions are issued in direct consultation with the doctor. Occasionally acute prescriptions can be requested by telephone, although this is normally only for simple symptomatic remedies.

In general, other treatments, e.g. antibiotics, will only be issued following direct consultation with a doctor.

Repeat Prescriptions

These can be ordered in the following ways:

• In person/post – forward your request to the surgery having clearly marked the items required.
• By email – to reception.Z00623@gp.hscni.net
• Online – follow the link at the top of this page to complete a simple registration.
• By fax - to 02871370723

Medication Reviews

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

Please allow two full working days for prescriptions to be processed and remember to take weekends and bank holidays into account.

Cost Effectiveness

We are constantly reminded by the government of the need to prescribe cost effectively. This will mean avoiding unnecessary or ineffective drugs and excessive prescribing.

Prescribing generically, where possible, also helps to achieve this aim. Generic drugs are subject to strict government quality control standards and represent much better value in general than proprietary drugs.