Repeat prescription requests over the phone

 

From Wednesday 1 July 2026, the reception team will no longer take repeat prescription requests over the telephone.

The main reason for this change is patient safety. Medication names can sound similar, be pronounced differently or be misheard over the phone. Ordering your medication online or in writing helps us make sure we receive an accurate request and process the right medication for you.

This will also allow our reception, dispensary and clinical teams to focus on processing prescriptions safely and efficiently, while helping to keep phone lines available for patients who need to contact us about a medical problem or another query.

How to order your medication

You can continue to request medication in the following ways

  • Use the NHS App – recommended for repeat prescriptions: The NHS App is a quick, simple and secure way to request your repeat prescription. You can select the items you need, choose where you would like to collect them and add a note where needed. 
  • Use Anima – for medication that is not on your repeat prescription: Anima is a quick, simple and secure way to contact the practice about medication that is not listed on your repeat prescription, including acute medication requests. Select the general questionnaire in Anima and provide as much information as possible about the medication you need. Your request will be reviewed by the practice team.
  • Use SystmOnline: You can order repeat medication through SystmOnline via our website. You will need a username and password. Please speak to our reception team if you need help getting set up.
  • Use your paper repeat prescription slip: Tick or write down the items you need on the repeat slip attached to your prescription. You can hand this in at reception or post it in the prescription letterbox on the left-hand side of the front door.

Care home patients

Care home patients will not be affected by this change. Care homes can continue to order medication as usual.

Patients in Warmington, Elton, Barnwell and Aldwincle who receive medication deliveries

You will be given repeat prescription request forms to complete and hand to the driver when your medication is delivered. This will help make sure there is no interruption to your usual service.

Please name each medication you need

To keep your record accurate and reduce medication waste, please list the specific items you require.

We cannot accept requests such as “all my medication” or “all repeats”. Naming each item helps us make sure you receive the correct medication and avoids ordering medicines you do not need.

Will this change how long prescriptions take?

No. Repeat prescriptions will continue to follow the usual processing times.

Please order your medication around 7 to 10 days before you are due to run out. This allows time for the practice to process your request and for the pharmacy or dispensing service to prepare it.

Thank you for helping us keep prescribing safe, accurate and efficient.

Published: Jul 2, 2026