Dispensary News: September Newsletter

Are you chasing a prescription?

It is important you allow 7 working days before you chase a prescription. If this is a medication we have prescribed you can track your prescription on the NHS app, SystmOnline, call the surgery and speak to our dispensary (Monday to Friday 9am to 12pm)

Is it something the hospital has prescribed or asked us to prescribe from a letter?

• We cannot prescribe medication suggested by the hospital until we get a written letter stating the exact medication, dosage and frequency.
• It can take 2 to 3 weeks following on from your hospital appointment for the clinic letter to be sent to us.
• It is hospital policy that to avoid delay they should prescribe an initial 2 week supply of emergency medication.
• If we do not have the hospital letter and it is an urgent prescription we may insist that the hospital team is contacted to provide the initial medication prescription.

Respect for our staff

Our staff are highly trained, we ask that you speak calmly, listen to what is being said, respect personal space and boundaries and above thank the individual who is trying to help you

Upcoming closures for staff training

12th November 2025 from 12pm to 6pm

Why does it take 7 working days to process medication? 

• Step 1: Patient order
• Step 2: Dispenser receiving 200 to 600 requests a day
• Step 3: Dispenser prints scripts and orders medication
• Step 4: GP signs script
• Step 5: Dispenser collated and dispensed 
• Step 6: Patient collects

Published: Sep 18, 2025