Please sign into Sytmonline appointments and prescriptions

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.

There are ongoing issues with the global supply of EpiPens and a letter has been issued by the NHSE for parents 

EpiPen

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): £9.65
• 12-month prepayment certificate (PPC): £111.60
• 3-month PPC: £31.25

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.

About your medicines: Next time you visit us you may be prescribed medicines which look different to your last supply.  This may mean that the doctor has prescribed a generic medicine for you.  If you are worried about a change in the name or appearance of your medicines, check with your pharmacist or doctor who will explain why they are different.

Where do your medicines come from?  New drugs are developed by drug companies who patent them and give them a special brand name.  This is so that other companies cannot copy them.   It also helps people to remember the name of their medicine.  The other name for a medicine is its generic name.  One example of a generic medicine is paracetamol, which is commonly known by the brand name Panadol.

What is a generic medicine?  After the patent has run out for a branded medicine other companies can manufacture it under a generic name.  The medicine is just as safe and effective as the original branded product but it is usually much cheaper.  Using generic medicines saves the NHS millions of pounds and allows money to be spent on other treatments.

Why do generic medicines look different?  The original colour and shape of branded medicines are different in colour, size, shape and even taste.  This does not alter the effects of the medicine.   In some cases tablets and capsules have special coatings so that the medicine lasts longer in the body and the doctor may feel that it is best for you to stick to one brand.

Checklist for patients.  Discuss any worries about your medicines with your pharmacist or doctor.  Know your medication by its generic name and strength.  Take your prescription to the same pharmacy each time.  Generic prescribing is simple an can save the NHS money.  You and other patients can benefit from this extra money and the improvements to healthcare that it can bring.