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Prescriptions

Need to order your regular medication? This page explains all the ways you can request repeat prescriptions, how long it takes, how much it costs, and how to save money with prepayment certificates.

Ordering your Medication

You can now request your repeat prescriptions quickly and securely using online services. It’s simple, convenient, and helps us process your request faster.

Click here to order your repeat medication online

You can also order your medication using the following methods:

NHS App or NHS Website

Use your NHS account to view and request your repeat prescriptions anytime, anywhere.

SystmOnline

Log in to your GP online account to manage your prescriptions.

Don’t have an account? Click here to register for online services.

Medicines Order Line (MOL)
  • Online Form: Fill in your details and a member of the MOL team will call you back within 2 working days.
  • Call: 0115 855 0260 (Monday to Friday, 8am–4pm)

Tip: Avoid calling on Mondays or after bank holidays when lines are busiest. Afternoons and midweek are usually quieter.

Request a call back

Email: ddccg.southMOLonlinerequests@nhs.net
Include:

  • Your GP practice name
  • Your full name
  • Date of birth
  • Contact number

Do not include medication details. MOL will call you back within 2 working days (excluding weekends). They’ll try up to three times, so please keep your phone nearby.

Collecting your Prescription

Prescriptions are usually ready 3 working days after ordering. You can:

You can change your nominated pharmacy anytime via the NHS App, our website, or by speaking to your pharmacy.

Checking if your prescription is ready to collect

You can track your prescription progress through the NHS app. After approval, prescriptions are prepared by your pharmacy – each one may contain up to four medicines. If you request more than four, multiple prescriptions will show in the app.

To check status: tap Your approved prescriptions on the homepage and select any item for details. Please note, tracking is being rolled out gradually and may not be available to all users yet.

Possible statuses include:

  • pharmacy preparing prescription/medicine
  • part ready to collect/deliver
  • ready to collect/deliver
  • cancelled or cancelled by pharmacy
  • collected
  • dispatched by pharmacy
  • this pharmacy does not provide tracking

If your status says “pharmacy preparing,” no action is needed. “Part ready” means some items aren’t yet available—collect now if urgent, otherwise wait. For cancellations, contact your GP or, if cancelled by pharmacy, reach out to them directly.

Prescription Charges

Most NHS prescriptions in England cost £9.90 per item (as of April 2025). However, you may be eligible for free prescriptions depending on your age, income, or medical condition.

If you are not eligible for free prescriptions and you require multiple prescriptions each month, you may save money with a prescription prepayment certificate (PPC).

Free Prescriptions

You may not have to pay if you:

  • Are aged under 16, or 16 – 18 and in full time education
  • Are aged 60 or over
  • Have a valid medical exemption certificate
  • Receive certain benefits

Click here to see if you are eligible for free prescriptions

Prescription Prepayment Certificates (PPCs)

If you pay for multiple prescriptions each month, a PPC could save you money:

  • 3-month PPC: £32.05
  • 12-month PPC: £114.50

You can apply online at https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/ppc or call 0300 330 1341.

NHS Hormone Replacement Therapy Prescription Prepayment Certificate (HRT PPC)

If you’re prescribed Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), you may be eligible for an HRT PPC, which covers the cost of all eligible HRT medicines for 12 months.

  • Cost: £19.80 for the year (as of April 2025)
  • Covers: Only HRT medicines listed by the NHS
  • Does not cover: Other non-HRT prescriptions

If you need both HRT and other non-HRT medicines, you may save more with a standard PPC. Call 0300 330 1341 for help deciding which is best for you.

You can buy an HRT PPC online at: https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/help-nhs-prescription-costs/nhs-hormone-replacement-therapy-prescription-prepayment-certificate-hrt-ppc

Services Offered at your Pharmacy

Your local pharmacy can do much more than just dispense medication. Many offer:

  • Prescription delivery – especially helpful for elderly, disabled or housebound patients
  • Help with minor illnesses – such as coughs, colds, sore throats, and skin conditions
  • Emergency contraception – available without a GP appointment
  • Advice on healthy living – including stopping smoking, weight management, and vaccinations

Ask your pharmacy team what services they offer – they’re trained healthcare professionals and are here to help.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Click here to ask a prescription question not on this page
How long will it take to get my prescription?

Prescriptions are usually ready within 3 working days after your request is received.

Can I order prescriptions for someone else?

Yes, if you have their permission. You can do this through the NHS App or by calling the Medicines Order Line.

What if I’ve run out of medication?

Contact your pharmacy or the surgery as soon as possible. In some cases, emergency supplies can be arranged.

Do I need to register to use the NHS App?

Yes, but it’s quick and easy. You’ll need photo ID and a short video for verification.

Click here to get help with the NHS app.

Can I still order by phone?

Yes, through the Medicines Order Line. However, we encourage online requests where possible to reduce waiting times and free up phone lines.

What if I’m housebound or can’t get to the pharmacy?

Many pharmacies offer delivery services. Ask your pharmacy directly or let us know if you need help arranging this.

What to do with old medicines?

Take it to the pharmacy you got it from or bring it into the surgery. Do not put it in your household bin or flush it down the toilet.

Page published: 3 July 2025
Last updated: 21 July 2025