Prescriptions
You can get your repeat prescription:
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BY LETTER |
BY FAX |
IN PERSON |
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We try not to accept repeat prescription requests by telephone, except in emergencies - it can be confusing to order drugs on the phone and it increases the number of calls on an already overworked switchboard.
Repeat Prescriptions
We are trying to make it easier for you to order your repeat medication. We have always, until now, asked patients to write a note detailing their medication or send their repeat prescription slip to Stowhealth. These 2 methods of requesting repeat prescriptions will continue.
In addition you can fax your request on 01449 676790 or e-mail your request using the online repeat prescription request form.
In all cases it would help us a great deal if you could quote your patient number. This number can accurately identify you and it appears at the top right side of your repeat prescription slip.
Please allow a minimum of 2 working days, excluding weekends, for all repeat prescription requests.
Prescribing
Each Practice within the UK is allocated an annual prescribing budget. We have never refused to supply expensive medication for any patient. This has included expensive fertility drugs and cancer drugs.
Generic Policy
Every drug has 2 names. It can be very confusing. For example NUROFEN is a trade name or marketing name, the generic or chemical name is IBUPROFEN. Similarly PANADOL and PARACETAMOL.
It is Government policy to increase the rate of generic prescribing. The Practice took the decision to prescribe generically, where possible, for all drugs over 8 years ago. Our generic prescribing rate is over 75%, one of the highest for any Practice in Suffolk. It does mean some of the drug names are almost unpronounceable - it's as difficult for doctors and pharmacist as it is for patients!
Dispensing for our "Country" patients
In early 2000, the Practice received permission to be able to dispense directly to all patients who live over 1 mile from the nearest chemist.
Equivalence - quantity of drugs allowed on each prescription
There has recently been a Government directive recommending that on any prescription the maximum quantity of drugs prescribed should be those needed for 28 days. If further supplies are needed then they should be repeated every 28 days. The Government say this would prevent wastage and save over 10% of the national drug bill.
© Stowhealth - Tel. 01449 776000
