Patients on long-term treatment may be allowed prescriptions without seeing the doctor. All such requests should be by computer slip attached to the original prescription.

Prescriptions should be collected from the surgery, allowing 48 hours for completion, or can be posted if a stamped addressed envelope is enclosed with the request. If the surgery is closed please post the prescription through the letter box.

Should your medication not have been reviewed for some time you will be asked to see the doctor.

Help with NHS costs

In England, around 90% of prescription items are dispensed free. This includes exemptions from charging for those on low incomes, such as:

• those on specific benefits or through the NHS Low Income Scheme
• those who are age exempt
• those with certain medical conditions
• More information is available at NHS Choices

These charges apply in England only. In Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales prescriptions are free of charge.

• Prescription (per item): £9.65
• 12-month prepayment certificate (PPC): £111.60
• 3-month PPC: £31.25

If you will have to pay for four or more prescription items in three months or more than 14 items in 12 months, you may find it cheaper to buy a PPC.

• Telephone advice and order line 0845 850 0030
• General Public - Buy or Renew a PPC On-line

There is further information about prescription exemptions and fees on the NHS website.