Prescriptions

Configure Prescription Details

NHS APP - SIGN UP NOW

We would like to invite you to use the NHS App so you can order your repeat prescriptions

The new, simple and secure way to access a range of NHS services on your smartphone, tablet or PC / laptop.

NHS App on smartphones and tablets 

Download on App Store
Download on Google Play Store

Setting up the NHS App for the first time? When registering, please select: Halliwell Surgery 3 (P82626). If the practice does not appear, enter our postcode: BL1 3RG

If you need some digital support - please see this guide of what  support is available in Bolton - Guide to Digital Support in Bolton.pdf

If you do not have a smartphone or tablet?

You can use the NHS website through a web browser on a computer or other suitable devices.  To access NHS services online, you can go to -  www.nhsapp.service.nhs.uk/login 

For more support - please see attached guide 

NHS App Without Smartphone or tablet

Further help and support, visit Prescription in the NHS App   

Ordering repeat prescriptions

The easiest ways to order repeat prescriptions are:

Your NHS account will show you all your repeat medicine and dosage and you can choose the ones you need.

You can also order in person and handing in to our reception. 

We do not take repeat prescription requests over the phone.

You will need to request a repeat prescription at least 48 working hours before you are due to run out.

If you have a question about a prescription, please ring after 11am to that our phone lines are kept free for patients requiring urgent appointments.

If you are unable to order a prescription via the app or in person, please let us know and we will be happy to help you.

PLEASE NOTE: IF YOU WANT TO CHECK IF YOUR PRESCRIPTION IS READY FOR COLLECTION AND YOU HAVE NOT YET HEARD BACK FROM YOUR PHARMACY, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR PHARMACY TO CHECK.

https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/pharmacy/find-a-pharmacy

Collecting your prescription / medication

We use the NHS Electronic Prescription Service (EPS)

We will send your prescription electronically to a pharmacy of your choice. 

Prescriptions will be issued 48 working hours after the request has been received. This will be sent directly to your chosen pharmacy so you can collect your medication from them and do not need to come to surgery to collection a prescription.

You will need to nominate a pharmacy and you can do this by speaking with the practice or your chosen pharmacy or if you use the NHS app, you can nominate a pharmacy yourself.

On the NHS app, go to Prescriptions > Your chosen pharmacy.  From here you can view your current nominated pharmacy, choose a pharmacy if you have not already nominated one or change your current nominated pharmacy if you want to move to another pharmacy.

What does this mean for you?

You will have more choice about where to get your medicines from because they can be collected from a pharmacy near to where you live, work or shop.

For further information on:

  • Choosing a pharmacy or other dispenser
  • Cancelling or changing your choice of pharmacist or dispenser
  • What can I do if I'm unhappy with the process?

Go to Electronic prescriptions .nhs.uk.

NHS prescription charges & exemptions

NHS Prescription Charges 

For current charges, please go to the NHS website - NHS prescription charges - NHS

Help with Prescription Costs

If you pay for NHS prescriptions regularly, you may save money with a Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC).

A PPC covers all your NHS prescriptions for a fixed price and may be cheaper than paying per item.

Find out more or apply: www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/ppc 

Are You Exempt from Prescription Charges?

You may be entitled to free NHS prescriptions if you:

  • Are under 16 (or under 19 in qualifying education)
  • Are aged 60 or over
  • Are pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months and hold a valid maternity exemption certificate
  • Receive certain benefits
  • Hold a valid medical exemption certificate

Check whether you're eligible: www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/prescriptions/check-if-you-can-get-free-prescriptions/ 

NHS England Guidance on Over the Counter Medicines

Prescribing of over the counter medicines has changed.

Your GP, nurse, pharmacist or other healthcare professional will not generally give you a prescription for over the counter medicines for a range of minor health concerns.

Instead, over the counter medicines are available to buy in a pharmacy or supermarket in your local community.

The team of health professionals at your local pharmacy can offer help and clinical advice to manage minor health concerns and if your symptoms suggest it’s more serious, they’ll ensure you get the care you need.

Please help the NHS to use resources sensibly.

 

Medication reviews

Patients on repeat medication will be asked to our practice pharmacist between 6-12 months to review these regular medications.  You will be contacted by the practice to book an appointment when this is due.

What to do with old medicines

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

Questions about your prescription

If you have questions about your medicine, your local pharmacists can answer these. They can also answer questions on medicines you can buy without a prescription.

The NHS website has information on how your medicine works, how and when to take it, possible side effects and answers to your common questions.

About pharmacists

As qualified healthcare professionals, pharmacists can offer advice on minor illnesses such as:

  • coughs
  • colds
  • sore throats
  • tummy trouble
  • aches and pains

They can also advise on medicine that you can buy without a prescription.

Many pharmacies are open until late and at weekends. You do not need an appointment.

Most pharmacies have a private consultation room where you can discuss issues with pharmacy staff without being overheard.

Page last reviewed: 28 September 2026
Page created: 13 May 2024