Ordering repeat prescriptions
The easiest ways to order repeat prescriptions are:
- using your NHS account (through the NHS website or in the NHS App)
- via eConsult
- using the GP online system: Patient Access
- submit a written request or use the right hand slip on your prescription which shows the authorised repeats available for you to order. Please tick and initial each item you require. You can post or deliver the slip to your surgery.
Should you need to request an acute medication, please complete an administrative eConsult form, which will then be sent to our team and reviewed by the doctor.
For reasons of confidentiality, we are unable to take repeat prescription requests over the phone. We also do not accept prescription requests via email.
Out of hours
If you have run out of prescribed medicines and need some urgently, there are a few ways to get an emergency supply, including out of hours.
Collecting your prescription
You can usually collect your prescription 3 working days after you have ordered it.
You will need to choose a pharmacy to collect your prescription from. We call this nominating a pharmacy.
You can change your nominated pharmacy at any time:
- on the app or website where you order repeat prescriptions
- at any pharmacy that accepts repeat prescriptions
Questions about your prescription
Please submit any medication queries by completing an administrative eConsult form. If you need to speak to someone, please call 01442 500164; the prescription line is open from 8am to 1pm and from 2pm to 3pm, Monday to Friday. To check on the status of your repeat prescription request please check your NHS App.
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.
Prescribing of Diazepam for fear of flying
At Everest House Surgery, we will not prescribe Diazepam for patients who wish to use this for a fear of flying. We have made this decision due to the following reasons:
- Diazepam is a sedative. This means, the medication makes you sleepy and more relaxed. If there were to be an emergency during the flight, this could impair your ability to concentrate, follow instructions or react to the situation. This could seriously affect the safety of you and the people around you.
- Sedative drugs can make you fall asleep, however, when you sleep it is an unnatural non-REM sleep. This means, your movements during sleep are reduced and this can place you at an increased risk of developing blood clots (DVT). These blood clots are very dangerous and can even prove fatal. This risk further increases if your flight is over 4 hours long.
- Although most people respond to benzodiazepines like Diazepam with sedation, a small proportion experience the opposite effect and can become aggressive. They can also lead to disinhibition and make you behave in ways you normally wouldn’t. This could also impact on your safety and the safety of your fellow passengers or could lead you to get in trouble with the law.
- National prescribing guidelines followed by doctors also don’t allow the use of benzodiazepines in cases or phobia. Any doctor prescribing diazepam for a fear of flying would be taking a significant legal risk as this goes against these guidelines. Benzodiazepines are only licensed for short-term use in a crisis in generalised anxiety. If this is the problem you suffer with, you should seek proper care and support for your mental health, and it would not be advisable to go on a flight.
- In several countries, diazepam and similar drugs are illegal. They would be confiscated, and you might find yourself in trouble with the police for being in control of an illegal substance.
- Diazepam has a long half life. This means it stays in your system for a significant time and you may fail random drug testing if you are subjected to such testing as is required in some jobs.
We appreciate a fear of flying is very real and very frightening and can be debilitating. However, there are much better and effective ways of tackling the problem. We recommend you tackle your problem with a fear of flying course, which is run by several airlines. These courses are far more effective than diazepam, they have none of the undesirable effects and the positive effects of the courses continue after the courses have been completed.
Use of over the counter medicines in schools, nurseries, and childcare settings
We often receive questions about the administration of over the counter (OTC) medicines in schools and childcare settings. We’d like to clarify the current guidance:
Tirzepatide/Mounjaro prescribed in primary care
From Monday 23rd June, a new weight loss drug called Tirzepatide, will start becoming available for use in primary care settings. Tirzepatide, which is often distributed under the brand name of Mounjaro, can help to promote weight loss when used by patients alongside a calorie controlled diet and a more active daily lifestyle. Tirzepatide is being rolled out nationally over a few years. Initially it will only be available on the NHS to patients with the highest medical need.
In line with NHS England guidance, this treatment will only be available initially for a small number of eligible patients whose body mass index is above 40 and have been diagnosed with four or more obesity related health conditions. There is more information on eligibility below.
Patients should be aware that it will be some time before the first eligible patients are able to access Tirzepatide. From 23rd June GPs or other healthcare professionals can start a discussion with potentially eligible patients about using Tirzepatide as part of their overall weight-loss journey. For patients in Hertfordshire and West Essex, Tirzepatide for weight loss will be available through a new service that is in the process of being set up. This service will provide access to Tirzepatide injections as part of a 9 month healthy lifestyle programme.
Please note that Tirzepatide will not be prescribed directly from the surgery.
Medication reviews
If you have a repeat prescription, we may ask you to come in for a regular review. We will be in touch when you need to come in for a review.
Prescription charges
Find out more about prescription charges.
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.
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.
Please visit our Pharmacy First page to find out more about this service.
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.