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Patient Information » Prescriptions

Prescriptions

Where possible, it would be appreciated if the prescription printout could be handed in (or posted to the surgery - enclosing a stamped addressed envelope) with repeat items ticked. This method of request will not tie up the telephone.

Prescriptions will be ready for collection 48 hours from request. Please note this does not include Bank Holidays or weekends.

Repeat Prescriptions

When ordering a repeat prescription we will have a dedicated telephone prescription line, the number will be 01823 401367.

The main surgery telephone line will not be available to take prescription requests. Prescriptions requests can also be posted (up to 7 days before they run out), faxed (Wiveliscombe 624357 or Milverton 401367) or delivered direct to the surgery or via email.

How to submit your request for a repeat prescription

• By visiting the surgery and posting the request in the dedicated letterbox at reception.
• By telephone - A dedicated line is open only between 11am and 3pm Monday - Thursday and Friday 11am till 1pm, the number to ring is 01823 401367.
• By Fax. Anytime, day or night to 01823 401367 or 01984 624357. Just fax the tear off copy from your prescription form.
• By post. You can post your request to us 7 days before the run out date. We will print and have the prescription ready for collection before you run out of medication!
• By email: just click on the link below and complete the form which will be emailed directly into the dispensary.

Please remember that the surgery will be closed on Public Bank Holidays and allow extra time when ordering repeat prescriptions.

Email Prescription Request Form

Collection Times

Wiveliscombe Pharmacy are offering a prescription collection service on a daily basis. Please inform the receptionist that the prescription is for the collecting service.

Prescriptions are collected daily at 9am and are ready for collection after 12 noon the following day e.g. Prescriptions handed in Monday at 9.10 am, Collected Tuesday 9am, ready for collection after 12 noon Wednesday.

Prescription Season Tickets

If you need several regular prescriptions but cannot get them free, you may save money by buying a 'Season Ticket'. See leaflet FP95 for details (available at the practice reception, chemists, post offices, federated homes and Somerset Health Authority).

The following patients are entitled to free prescriptions on the NHS:

• Men of 60 years of age and above.
• Women of 60 years of age and above.
• Patients under 16 years of age.
• Patients under 19 and in full time education.
• Patients on income support or family credit.
• Women who are pregnant.
• Women who have had a baby in the last 12 months.
• Patients receiving Disability Working Allowance who also had capital of 8,000 or less when the allowance was awarded.

Or if you suffer from the following conditions:

• Epilepsy requiring anti-convulsant therapy.
• A continuing physical disability which prevents you from leaving home without the help of another person.
• Diabetes.
• Hypothyroidism (under-active thyroid gland).
• Hypoparathyroidism.
• Diabetes insipidus.
• Addison's Disease.
• Myaesthenia Gravis.

Free Prescriptions

If you claim free NHS prescriptions, you will be asked for proof of why you do not have to pay. If you do not show proof, you will still receive your medicines but the Department of Health will check on free claimants.

Unsure if you are entitled to free prescriptions? Pay for your prescription and ask for a receipt (Form FP57). If you are entitled to a free prescription you will be able to claim the fee back up to 3 months after paying. The FP57 explains how you can claim money back.

Patients who wrongly claim prescriptions will face a Penalty Charge and, in some cases, prosecution.

For more information the Advice line telephone number is 0800 91 77 711.

Pre-Payment Certificates (PPC)

Patients who have to pay for more than 4 prescription items in 3 months or 14 items in 12 months may find it cheaper to buy a pre-payment certificate (PPC).

You can buy a PPC on line, by post or by phone. Ring 0845 850 0030 to buy one over the phone using your credit or debit card.

About the PPC

You can only use the PPC for your own NHS prescriptions. The PPC will start from the date of your application, or phone call, unless you ask for a different start date and can be up to one month earlier or one month later than the date of your application or phone call.

Remember to apply for a new PPC in good time; otherwise, you will have to pay charges when your old PPC runs out.

Refunds

If you have to pay a prescription charge while you are waiting for your PPC, you cannot get a refund unless you have an NHS receipt. The NHS receipt form is an FP57 (England). The pharmacist or dispensing doctor can only issue an FP57 at the time you pay a prescription charge; they cannot give you one later. You can claim for the refund of prescription charges up to 3 months after paying. The FP57 form tells you what to do.

Refunds of PPC fees

If you wish to claim a refund of your PPC fee, please send the original certificate, proof of entitlement, where possible e.g. the benefit award notice or the death certificate to the PPD and tell them why you want a refund. You should send your letter, proof of entitlement and the certificate to: PPD, P.O. Box 845, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE99 2DE.

A full refund may be claimed for 3 or 12 month PPC fees if, within the first month, you become entitled to free prescriptions or the holder dies.

For further information, visit the NHS Business Services Authority.