Prescription delivery can make it easier to receive regular medicines at home, but the process starts before the pharmacy reaches your door. In England, most prescriptions are sent electronically, and repeat medicines usually need to be requested and approved before a pharmacy can prepare them.
This guide explains the journey from requesting a repeat prescription to home delivery, how choosing a pharmacy works, what can delay a prescription and what to do if you need medicine urgently.
Step 1: Order Your Repeat Prescription
If you take regular medicines, you will usually need to request your repeat prescription before the pharmacy can dispense it. The NHS explains that repeat prescriptions can be requested through the NHS App or NHS website, through other services used by your GP practice, or by contacting your GP surgery where appropriate.
The NHS advises requesting regular medicines up to five working days before you need them. Ordering early gives the GP practice time to approve the request and gives the pharmacy time to obtain stock and prepare the prescription.
Step 2: Your Prescriber Approves and Issues the Prescription
A repeat request is not the same as an issued prescription. Your GP practice or other prescriber may need to review and approve the request before it is sent to the pharmacy. In the NHS App, some patients can see whether a request is waiting for approval, approved or rejected.
If a medicine is due for a review, has been requested too early or cannot be ordered through the app, you may be asked to contact your GP surgery before it can be issued.
Step 3: The Prescription Is Sent Electronically to Your Chosen Pharmacy
Most NHS prescriptions in England are now handled through the Electronic Prescription Service (EPS). EPS allows a prescriber to send a prescription electronically to a pharmacy chosen by the patient.
Choosing a pharmacy is often called nomination. You can choose or change your pharmacy through the NHS App or NHS website. If you want a step-by-step explanation, read how to nominate a pharmacy for electronic prescriptions.
Changing your chosen pharmacy does not necessarily move a prescription that has already been issued. NHS guidance notes that outstanding prescriptions may still go to the pharmacy that was selected when they were requested.
Step 4: The Pharmacy Downloads and Prepares the Prescription
Once the pharmacy receives the electronic prescription, the pharmacy team carries out the normal dispensing process. This includes checking the prescription, selecting the correct medicine, completing the required safety checks and preparing the items for collection or delivery.
Preparation time can vary. A medicine may need to be ordered, the pharmacy may need to clarify something with the prescriber, or an item may temporarily be unavailable. The NHS notes that a chosen pharmacy may take several working days to prepare a prescription, so regular medicines should not be left until the last dose.
Step 5: Delivery Is Arranged by the Pharmacy
Home delivery is a service offered by individual pharmacies rather than an automatic part of every NHS prescription. Whether delivery is available, which areas are covered and whether there is a charge depend on the pharmacy you use.
When a pharmacy provides home delivery, the medicines are normally dispatched only after the prescription has been received, dispensed and checked. Delivery timing may therefore depend on prescription approval, stock and the pharmacy’s delivery schedule.
What Information Helps a Prescription Delivery Run Smoothly?
- Keep your address and contact details up to date with the pharmacy.
- Request repeat medicines before you are close to running out.
- Tell the pharmacy if you will not be at home or if access to the property is difficult.
- Let the pharmacy know about changes that may affect delivery, such as a temporary address.
- Contact the pharmacy if your prescription has been approved but you are unsure whether it has been received or prepared.
What If You Change Your Pharmacy?
You can change your chosen pharmacy in the NHS App. The change normally affects future prescriptions. If you have already requested a prescription, it may still have been sent to your previous pharmacy, so check before assuming it has moved.
If you are changing pharmacies because you want home delivery, confirm the new pharmacy’s delivery area and arrangements before relying on the service.
Can Someone Else Receive Your Prescription Delivery?
Delivery arrangements can vary between pharmacies and between medicines. Some medicines may require additional checks or specific handover arrangements. If another person will be receiving your medicines, ask the pharmacy what information or identification may be needed.
What Happens If You Are Not Home?
Medicines should not simply be left in an unsuitable place. What happens after a missed delivery depends on the pharmacy and the medicine involved. The pharmacy may contact you, arrange another delivery or ask you to collect the prescription. If you know you will be unavailable, contact the pharmacy beforehand.
What If You Need Medicine Urgently?
Routine delivery should not be relied on for an urgent supply. If you are running out of regular medicine, contact your pharmacy or GP surgery as soon as possible. Outside normal GP hours, NHS 111 can provide guidance about urgent repeat medicines and may direct you to an appropriate service.
If your symptoms are serious or life-threatening, use the appropriate urgent or emergency service rather than waiting for a prescription delivery.
Can You Track a Prescription in the NHS App?
Prescription information in the NHS App is continuing to expand. Many patients can view repeat prescription requests and their status, and NHS England is rolling out prescription tracking that can show progress through to collection or dispatch for delivery where supported by the pharmacy system.
Availability can vary, so if the app does not show the information you need, contact the pharmacy directly.
Does Prescription Delivery Replace Pharmacist Advice?
No. Delivery is a way of receiving medicines; it does not replace professional advice. Contact a pharmacist if you are unsure how to take a medicine, are experiencing side effects, think medicines may be interacting, or have questions after a prescription has changed.
If you use both prescription and non-prescription treatments, you may also find this guide useful: can you take over-the-counter medicines with prescription medicines?.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to visit my GP every time I order a repeat prescription?
Not usually. Repeat prescriptions are designed for regular medicines that can often be requested without a GP appointment each time. Your GP practice may still require a medication review or contact with a clinician when appropriate.
Does choosing a pharmacy mean I have to use it forever?
No. You can change your chosen pharmacy. Remember that prescriptions already requested may still be sent to the pharmacy that was selected at the time.
Is home delivery part of every NHS prescription?
No. Home delivery is offered by individual pharmacies. You should check the pharmacy’s delivery availability, coverage and any eligibility or service conditions.
Can I request repeat medicines in the NHS App?
Many patients in England can request repeat prescriptions in the NHS App. Some medicines cannot be requested there, for example when a review is needed or the medicine is not set up as an orderable repeat.
What if my medicine is not ready when I expect it?
Contact the pharmacy. The prescription may still be awaiting approval, an item may need ordering, or the pharmacy may need to resolve a query before dispensing.
Prescription Delivery Support in Luton
For patients who want local home delivery, Biscot Pharmacy provides free prescription delivery in Luton for eligible patients within its service area. The service page explains current coverage, how to sign up and how delivery is arranged.
Using delivery successfully starts with ordering medicines in good time, keeping your chosen pharmacy details up to date and contacting the pharmacy when anything changes.
Information note: This article provides general information about prescription ordering and delivery in England. Prescription availability, delivery arrangements and eligibility can vary. Contact your GP practice, pharmacy or NHS 111 when you need advice about your own medicines or an urgent supply.
the prescription app
