We are encouraging patients who have access to a computer to order their repeat prescriptions on line at: threetownsmedicalpractice.co.uk. If you have any problems trying to use this service, please ask to speak to Debbie Watson who will assist you.

*If you regularly use a branch of Gallaghers or Lloyds Stevenston, we can arrange for your signed prescription to be delivered to your pharmacy of choice and you can then collect your medicines directly from there. *Please note that you will have to allow at least 3 working days for your prescription to be processed by us, your pharmacy and be ready for collection 

*If you choose to telephone in to request a repeat prescription we will ask you to call in between 11am and 12pm or 2pm-4pm if you want to speak to someone in person. Out with these times you will be asked to leave your name, date of birth, contact telephone number and a list of items that you require on an answer machine. You will be able to leave requests on this answer machine between 8.30 on Monday morning and 6pm on Friday night (excluding public holidays)

*You can post in your request along with a stamped self addressed envelope and we will post your prescription back to you. Please allow time for postage.

*Please note: Reception staff are not permitted to add /print items which are not on your repeat list.  Only your doctor or Nurse Prescriber can do this and may take longer to be dealt with.  The doctor or Nurse Prescriber may also decline your request if medication is being over/under ordered

*If you need to go to hospital, please take all your medicines with you.

NHS CHARGES

From 1st April 2011 prescription charges have been abolished in Scotland, therefore you do not have to pay for NHS prescriptions if you:

If you present your prescription in Northern Ireland or Wales you will not be charged. If you present your prescription in England you will be required to pay unless you qualify for exemption under English arrangements.

MEDICAL EXEMPTION CERTIFICATES

If you have one of the following medical conditions, you may wish to apply for an NHS Medical Exemption Certificate that will entitle you to receive NHS prescriptions free of charge if presenting your prescription in England.

• hypoparathyroidism
• hypoadrenalism for which specific substitution therapy is essential (e.g. Addison's Disease)
• diabetes insipidus and other forms of hypopituitarism
• diabetes mellitus except where treatment is by diet alone
• myasthenia gravis
• myxoedema (that is, hypothyroidism requiring thyroid hormone replacement)
• epilepsy requiring continuous anti-convulsive therapy
• or if you have a permanent fistula requiring continuous surgical dressing or requiring an appliance (also referred to as a stoma)

In addition to these conditions, if you have a continuing physical disability which means that you are unable to leave your home without the help of another person you might also qualify.

To apply for a Medical Exemption Certificate, ask the receptionist at your GP surgery. An application form EC92A will be completed at the surgery, and will be endorsed by your GP. The surgery will send off the application to your NHS Board and you will receive your certificate by post.

There is further information about exemptions and fees on the website: www.scotland.govuk/healthcosts