Patients on long-term medication can order repeat prescriptions in a number of ways:

• Via the NHS App. For guidance on setting up the NHS App click on this link: How to register for online services using the NHS App.pdf
• Via email please email bnssg.pmg.prescriptions@nhs.net this includes medication requests for acute or controlled drugs
• Via Patient Access - follow the link at the top of this page. To enable you to use this service, you must sign up at the surgery in order to receive the necessary passwords. Please note that you can only request items on your repeat medication list. Any item not on your repeat list will need to be requested by email or visiting the surgery for a request form.
• In person - leave your repeat slip at reception with the required items clearly marked.
• By post 
• Via a Pharmacy - Speak to your preferred Pharmacy about them coordinating and arranging your repeat prescriptions. 

https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/pharmacy/find-a-pharmacy/results/Portishead

We will send your presription to the pharmacy electronically. Just tell us which pharmacy you would like us to send it to.

Please allow 3-5 full working days for prescriptions to be processed and remember to take weekends and bank holidays into account.

We are unable to accept requests more than 14 days early (and certain restricted or controlled drugs can only be requested one week early).

Requests for prescriptions that need to be collected on the same day can only be requested in person in the surgery. (If you are housebound or receiving palliative care please phone or email us to discuss your requirements).

Requests for a new course of medication, or medication which you have not requested for a while, will need to be authorised by a GP.

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.

Dear Patient
Review of Benzodiazepines
The practice is currently reviewing all our patients who take benzodiazepine medication e.g. diazepam, nitrazepam and temazepam.
These medications should only be taken short term (less than four weeks). When taken over a longer period of time they can cause addiction and may actually worsen anxiety and sleeplessness rather than helping to alleviate these conditions.
They also have a number of serious side effects including:
• Falls – people taking benzodiazepines have an increased risk of falling and bone fractures such as hip fracture.
• Accidents – people taking benzodiazepines are at a significantly increased risk of car accidents
• Memory and mood problems – such as confusion forgetfulness, aggression and depression.
• Addiction and dependence – feeling like you need the medicine to carry out day to day activities and/or withdrawal symptoms if you stop or reduce the tablets
• Withdrawal – symptoms can include anxiety, irritability, difficulty sleeping, sweating, gastrointestinal symptoms.
• Dementia – there may be an increased risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease in people taking benzodiazepines for more than 3 months.
• Death - people taking benzodiazepines have a significantly increased risk of death compared to people who do not take these medicines
We would like to review your benzodiazepine medication and consider a gradual reduction programme with a view to eventually stopping this medication if it appropriate.
Please contact the surgery at your earliest convenience to make an appointment with your GP.
During the appointment they will discuss your medication with you and if appropriate they will structure a gradual reduction programme for you.
A ‘Stopping Benzodiazepines Q&A’ follows to help you start to think about managing your condition without the need for regular Benzodiazepines.
Yours sincerely,
Portishead Medical Group