Prescriptions

We are seeing an extreme increase in prescription requests and enquiries and we are experiencing staff absence. We are also aware the pharmacies are under increased pressure. Therefore, please can we ask you to help us out by:

• Using the following methods to contact our prescribing team:
  • NHS App for ordering repeat prescriptions
  • Online ordering for repeat prescriptions through this website
  • Use eConsult for prescription enquiries
  • Email enquiries or repeat prescription requests to prescription.cricketfield@nhs.net
  • Please only call us between 11am to 1pm and 2pm to 3pm if you have no means of contacting us digitally. Thank you!
• We are now accepting paper prescription requests again. Please post them through the letterbox, you will not be able to come into the surgery without an appointment.
• Only order repeat prescriptions that are essential and due, nationally we are not able to supply additional quantities or medications just in case
• Please get your repeat prescription requests in 5 working days before they are due, this gives us and the pharmacy the time needed to accurately and safely process your request
• Collecting your prescription direct from the Pharmacy, you can no longer collect from the Surgery.
• Please check what time your pharmacy is open before going to collect, a lot are operating reduced opening hours
• Do not request rescue packs, we will contact those we think may need this

• Inhalers are only being issued to asthmatics who have been using them in the last 18 months, if you haven’t used one in that time frame but are still concerned you should have one you will need to send an eConsult. 

Rescue packs for patients with respiratory conditions – advice from Devon’s Clinical Commissioning Group

Some inaccurate information has been circulating in the public domain regarding special ‘rescue packs’ for patients with pre-existing respiratory conditions such as asthma or COPD.

Patients will already have a COPD/asthma rescue pack if they are in the cohort of patients that this is intended for.  Patients are being advised to not contact their GP practice for a rescue pack if they have not had one before.

Patients are advised to manage their condition in the usual way and if they think they have COVID-19 symptoms, they are to use 111 online.

Prescriptions Charges and Exemptions

Extensive exemption and remission arrangements protect those likely to have difficulty in paying charges (NHS prescription and dental charges, optical and hospital travel costs).

The NHS prescription charge is a flat-rate amount which successive Governments have thought it reasonable to charge for those who can afford to pay for their medicines.  Prescription prepayment certificates (PPCs) offer real savings for people who need extensive medication.

Third Party Prescription Services

Please review the guidance from NHS England on the dangers of buying medications online, how to best use an online pharmacy and check for the General Pharmaceutical Council’s (GPhC) internet pharmacy logo to identify legitimate online pharmacies.

https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/nhs-services/pharmacies/dangers-of-buying-medicines-online/