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.
Help with NHS/Prescription costs
If you need help with NHS costs or need to find out if you can get free prescriptions, please click on one the options below for further information:
Non-repeat items (acute requests)
Non-repeat prescriptions, known as ‘acute’ prescriptions are medicines that have been issued by the Doctor but not added to your repeat prescription records. This is normally a new medication issued for a trial period, and may require a review visit with your Doctor prior to the medication being added onto your repeat prescription records.
Some medications are recorded as acute as they require to be closely monitored by the Doctor. Examples include many anti-depressants, drugs of potential abuse or where the prescribing is subject to legal or clinical restrictions or special criteria. If this is the case with your medicine, you may not always be issued with a repeat prescription until you have consulted with your Doctor again./p>
NHS charges
These charges apply in England only. In Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales prescriptions are free of charge.
Click here – NHS prescription charges
Telephone advice and order line 0845 850 0030
NHS Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC) | NHSBSA
Private Prescriptions
If you are seen privately by a Consultant and are given a prescription, on the first occasion, this prescription needs to be private, at a cost to yourself.
Upon Review, further prescriptions will be processed as NHS if this is clinically appropriate.
Shortages
You may have noticed reports emerging recently that the UK is facing drug shortages and you might be worried about them affecting your own medication. This problem is primarily due to disruptions in the supply chain and an increase in demand.
If your prescribed medication is unavailable from your local pharmacy, please do not panic. Instead, check the availability of the medication at different pharmacies to avoid any confusion or changes to your medication. You may have a short delay in obtaining your medication, which is a frequent occurrence across the UK, but you should be back to normal after a few days.
You can consult with your pharmacists, as they can offer valuable guidance and inform you about any available options. If you are unable to find the medication, please reach out to us to discuss the shortage and explore alternative medications or dosage adjustments.
It is strongly advised that patients avoid stockpiling as this can exacerbate shortages and leave others without access to the necessary medications. Please be patient, as we understand that the situation is challenging and we are working diligently to manage it.
Your health is our priority and by collaborating with your healthcare team, we can navigate the issue and provide the best possible care during these times.
NHS App
Owned and run by the NHS, the NHS App is a simple and secure way to access a range of NHS services on your smartphone or tablet – including ordering prescriptions and viewing booked appointments.
Online consultations allow you to input information so your doctors can triage your concerns and offer the right care. Once completed we will get back to you within 2 working days, if not sooner.
NHS App
Owned and run by the NHS, the NHS App is a simple and secure way to access a range of NHS services on your smartphone or tablet – including ordering prescriptions and viewing booked appointments.
Online consultations allow you to input information so your doctors can triage your concerns and offer the right care. Once completed we will get back to you within 2 working days, if not sooner.
Helpful links to guides from the NHS
NHS
HEALTH A to Z
Guide to conditions,symptoms & treatments
NHS
LIVE WELL
Advice, tips and toolsfor health & wellbeing
NHS
MEDICINES GUIDE
How medicine works& possible side effects
NHS
care & support
Options & where toget the best support
Know who to turn to for your healthcare
We want to help you get the right medical assistance when you’re ill, injured or have a long term condition. Going directly to the person with the appropriate skills is important. This can help you to a speedier recovery and makes sure all NHS services are run efficiently.
NHS 111 is available 24 hours
a day, 7 days a week.
If it is an emergency call 999.
PHARMACIST
When you need healthcare advice or help with medicines
OPTICIAN
Sudden loss of vision. Blurred vision. Painful or red eyes?
DENTIST
When your mouth or teeth need urgent attention
NHS OUT-OF-HOURS
When your GP and local pharmacy are closed
MINOR INJURY
You will usually need a GP referral, except in an emergency.
ACCIDENT & EMERGENCY
When an illness or injury is serious or life-threatening
DID YOU KNOW?
If you’re feeling under the weather but aren’t sure what it could be, an online symptom checker can help you identify whether you need to seek immediate medical attention.