Repeat Prescriptions

There are 3 methods of ordering repeat prescriptions:

1. Online - by using the NEW SystmOnline (see next tab above).   The previous system was switched off on 31st January 2012 as previously publicised and Systmonline is now the only active online system.
2. By ticking the required drugs on your most recent prescription and then depositing it in the box marked “repeat prescriptions” situated in the waiting room when the Practice is open or posting through the letterbox when closed.
3. By telephoning 01332 882008 on Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm.

  
Please give a minimum of 2 working days notice prior to collection - see timetable.

SystmOnline

SystmOnline provides patients with personal and secure internet access to certain aspects of their own records at their GP Surgery.  At present patients can request repeat prescriptions, view and cancel appointments, and change contact details.  Further functions may be added in the future.

From the 1st February 2012 this system for ordering repeats online takes over from the current system provided by this website.  In order to allow current users sufficient time to switchover SystmOne was fully launched at the start of October 2011 and the current system was not switched off until 31st January 2012.

Further details and a registration form can be seen by clicking here.

If you have already registered for SystmOnline and have a username and password then click here to access SystmOnline .

The Change From Dispensary To Pharmacy

For many years the Arthur Medical Centre has provided a Prescription Dispensing Service. The regulations for such a service allow dispensing to patients of the surgery but only those that live more than one mile from a pharmacy. Other items cannot be supplied. These limitations do not apply to a Pharmacy but then a quite different facility is required and a Pharmacist must be in attendance during all opening times. After consideration of all aspects the practice decided to invest in the necessary pharmacy requirements in order to provide an expanded service.

During 2007 our application to open a Pharmacy was approved and on the 25^th February 2008 the new Pharmacy (named Amber Pharmacy) opened. Customers are now served in a purpose built shop area with access to a separate room to allow any specific consultations to be held in privacy. Whilst the premises are within the same building there will be separate entrances to the Pharmacy and the practice just inside the main front door.

In general Amber Pharmacy will:-

• Provide prescription dispensing for all patients that choose to use this service irrespective of where they live in relation to other pharmacies.
• Provide prescription dispensing services for those that are not registered as patients.
• Stock non-prescription medications for sale.
• Stock a variety of related pharmacy shop items.
• Over time offer additional services such as smoking cessation.
• Continue to provide a delivery service.

We do believe that this change will bring about an improved service for patients and in many ways patients will be served “at the counter” in much the same way as before but with access to a greater range of products and services. However some elements of processes such as ordering prescriptions and some aspects of queries about medication must remain within the practice. This will involve a few changes but we are endeavouring to provide clear direction and advice to help patients accordingly.

To contact Amber Pharmacy directly by telephone please call 01332 782 844

Practice Pharmacist

The practice has employed a pharmacist, Helen Hulme since 2005. Helen now also works in Amber Pharmacy on Monday, with the remainder of her time spent within the practice dealing with various queries and advising patients on their medicines.

Helen works alongside the doctors and nurses using the same treatment guidelines and medications. Over recent months she has gained additional experience in a number of areas and has also passed exams to allow her to prescribe various medicines. The doctors will now refer more patients to Helen who have certain conditions such as high blood pressure, raised cholesterol, asthma and chronic lung disease. As a matter of course the support and advice of the doctors continues to be available if further or more difficult issues are encountered.

New patients on a number of medicines will also be seen by the practice Pharmacist to ensure we maintain their current medication and that appropriate ongoing appointments are scheduled.

You may also book an appointment to see the practice Pharmacist if you would like further information regarding any of your current medications.

These changes will allow the doctors to make their appointments available for more complex problems which the nurses and pharmacist cannot deal with.

Helen works in the practice from Tuesday to Friday each week and has appointments available between the following times:

Tuesday 3.30-5pm

Wednesday 9-11am

Thursday 9-11am

Friday 9-11am

Appointments can be booked up to 4 weeks in advance by telephoning reception.

Prescriptions Charges and Exemptions

Extensive exemption and remission arrangements protect those likely to have difficulty in paying charges (NHS prescription and dental charges, optical and hospital travel costs).

The NHS prescription charge is a flat-rate amount which successive Governments have thought it reasonable to charge for those who can afford to pay for their medicines.  Prescription prepayment certificates (PPCs) offer real savings for people who need extensive medication.