The Silton surgery is a dispensing practice, which means that patients living over 1 mile from a pharmacy are able to collect any required medication directly from the surgery.
Ordering repeat prescriptions
The easiest ways to order repeat prescriptions are:
- using your NHS account (through the NHS website or in the NHS App)
- using the GP online system: SystmOnline
These accounts show you all your repeat medicine and dosage and you can choose the ones you need.
You can also:
- during opening hours you can drop your completed repeat medication slip in to the white box located on the reception table
- alternatively you can drop your completed repeat medication slip into the metal box to the left of the front doors
- call the prescription line on 01747 840950
- the line is only open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 9:15am to 10:30am and 2:30pm to closing. Wednesday 9:15am to midday.
Please do not ask the receptionist to order your medications, either in person or over the phone.
Collecting your prescription
You can usually collect your prescription 3 working days after you have ordered it.
If your repeats require reviewing by the GP this can add another day to the process.
From the dispensary
There is only one person working in dispensary at any one time, doing a variety of tasks; dispensing, ordering, accepting orders, dealing with requests from the GP’s and Nurses during clinic times etc.
If the dispenser is in the middle of dispensing to a patient she is not able to answer the phone. We know that being interrupted whilst in the middle of dispensing increases the risk of an error.
We are committed to carrying out our work in a safe and professional manner. We are constantly striving to find ways of working that ensure errors are not made. We realise that it can be frustrating when the dispensary phone is not answered.
We are unable to take card payments at the dispensary. However you can pay using cash or cheque upon collection of medication, if you are not exempt from NHS charges.
We are able to take payment using BACS, please ask reception for details.
Collection timetable
Repeat medication can be collected after 10.30am Monday to Friday.
| Request received | Medication ready by |
|---|---|
| Monday morning | Thursday 10:30am |
| Tuesday morning | Friday 10:30am |
| Wednesday morning | Monday 10:30am |
| Thursday morning | Tuesday 10:30am |
| Friday morning | Wednesday 10:30am |
Non-dispensing patients (those who are within a 1 mile radius of a pharmacy) can usually collect their signed prescription from the surgery the next working day.
Or you can request that the prescription be sent to your pharmacy of choice. Please allow time for the Royal Mail to deliver.
From your local pharmacy
We have an arrangement with the pharmacy in Gillingham under which patients who do not qualify under the 1 mile rule, may collect repeat prescriptions from there.
If you wish to use this service, please contact us before Friday midday and let the dispenser know which chemist in Gillingham you want the prescription sent to (Peacemarsh, High Street or The Barn).
We can also send prescriptions to Boots Chemists in Wincanton using the postal service. This can take a few days to get to the Chemist.
Please bear in mind that the community pharmacies will usually only dispense items once they have received the original prescription.
Alternatively you can choose a pharmacy to collect your prescription from. We call this nominating a pharmacy.
To nominate a pharmacy or change your preference at any time:
- visit the app or website where you order repeat prescriptions
- contact your local pharmacy
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.
Go to Medicines A to Z (nhs.uk)
If you would like to speak to someone at the GP surgery about your prescription:
- Please speak to reception and they will triage your request accordingly
Medication reviews
If you are on repeat medication or suffer from a chronic illness, The GPs recommend that you have a review appointment at least once a year. At this appointment, usually with the practice nurse, she will check your blood pressure, your height and weight, enquire about any problems, check a urine sample and may take a blood sample. We have set up a rolling review system which means that you will be sent a letter giving a date and time for your appointment.
If you are over 75 you should have this type of review at least annually, even if you are not on regular medication. You can arrange this by contacting Reception.
If you are on regular medication, you should also consider whether to have a flu jab. Any of the staff will be able to tell you if you fall into the recommended category.
Prescription charges
Find out more about prescription charges (nhs.uk).
What to do with old medicines
Do not order any drugs you do not take regularly, this will help to save the NHS millions of pounds. Take any drugs that you have stopped taking; to either a community pharmacy who dispensed your medication, or the Dispensary at the Surgery.
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 room where you can discuss issues with pharmacy staff.