Prescriptions

Prescription Length

The standard NHS prescription is for a maximum 2 months supply of medication.
 
We can (exceptionally) give three months supply eg if you are going away, but this is not standard and may not be agreed - this is at the discretion of your prescriber.
 
The NHS can take responsibility for your care for no more than 3 months if you are out of the country - any longer than this and you will need to obtain your medication locally.
 
Exceptionally (eg the contraceptive pill) a year of medication can be issued.
 
Controlled drugs (eg most ADHD medications, morphine and related drugs, pregabalin/gabapentin and many more) can only be issued for 1 month maximum - this is strict NHS legal guidance and cannot be over-ridden.
 

Repeat Prescriptions

The link above takes you to a website where, if you've registered, you can order your repeat medication.  If you haven't yet registered for Patient Access, and are aged 16 or over, please click on the right to register for online access.

We use the Electronic Prescribing Service (EPS).  If you are not signed up, please speak to your pharmacist or our reception to nominate where you want your prescriptions automatically sent to electronically.  That means you can directly order your medication online via the link at the top of this page and then collect the prescription 3 working days later at your pharmacy of choice.

 

Most of the local pharmacies offer a collection and delivery service whereby they will order your medication and collect the prescription from the practice. Pharmacy2U are another option. This company will order your medication and then arrange for it to be posted to an address of your choice. If you are interested in any of these options please ask for more details at reception.

 

You can request a repeat prescription by filling in this form https://florey.accurx.com/p/F85063 

 

Alternatively, a repeat prescription can be generated by filling in the form at reception.  Attaching the counterfoil from your previous prescription is helpful.  Hand written or "urgent" requests slow up the system, and can delay the duty doctor. 

We do not take requests for repeat prescriptions over the phone.

 

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

 

We aim to process prescriptions within 3 working days, but on occasion it may take up to 5 due to the increasing volume and complexity of prescription requests.  Sometimes medication needs to be discussed in the team for your own clinical safety.  Please keep this in mind when ordering.

Online Access

Medication Reviews

Patients on repeat medication will be asked to see a doctor, pharmacist or practice nurse at least once a year to review these regular medications and notification should appear on your repeat slip.

Please ensure that you book an appropriate appointment to avoid unnecessary delays to further prescriptions.

Local Chemists

Boots:

358 Muswell Hill Broadway
N10 1DJ
Tel: 0208 883 5520

Dukes Pharmacy

330 Muswell Hill Broadway
N10 1DJ 
Tel: 0208 883 9072

MRCX Muswell

185 Hill Broadway 
N10 3RS
Tel: 0208 883 5564
Fax: 0208 883 9448

Muswell Hill Pharmacy

110 Fortis Green 
N10 3HN
Tel: 0208 883 1313

Redwood Pharmacy

116 Alexandra Park Rd 
N10 2AH
Tel: 020 883 1596

Coral Pharmacy

312 Park Rd 
N8 8LA
Tel: 020 834 6734

Prescription Fees

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

NHS Charges

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

  • Prescription (per item): £9.90
  • 12-month prepayment certificate (PPC): £114.50
  • 3-month PPC: £32.05

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.

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

Private Medicine

The Muswell Hill Practice Policy for Private Sector Work
 
We are an NHS practice but we are aware that a number of patients have private insurance or may choose to seek private care if they are able to.
 
We cannot "prioritise" work which is initiated in the private sector but we will arrange private referrals without charge and work in tandem with your private provider to provide appropriate care, within the constraints of NHS guidelines.
 
Prescriptions: if medicines have been initiated in the private sector we will normally be able to transfer these to NHS prescriptions as long as the medications are within NCL prescribing guidelines. This is not always the case and we are not "obliged" to issue NHS prescriptions for medications simply because a private consultant has requested this.
 
The time frame for issuing prescriptions will be the same as for any NHS prescription. We will not issue prescriptions without having written confirmation from your private consultant as to the indication, dose and length of treatment required.
 
Some medicines are not suitable for GPs to prescribe or monitor, and some medicines are the subject of individual policies or Shared Care Guidelines - certain criteria need to be met before we can be involved in prescribing.
 
Prescribing of medication carries significant responsibility and the person who signs a prescription will have ongoing clinical responsibility for the effect of that medication. GPs are not always familiar with prescribing certain medicines and we are at liberty to refuse to prescribe if we do not feel confident or comfortable to do so.
 
GPs are constrained by evidence based NCL prescribing guidelines and we will normally only prescribe within these limits.

Medicines Shortages

In the last few years the UK has experienced more frequent and widespread shortages in supply of a variety of medications. The reasons for this are multiple and we are aware that this can cause widespread frustration and concern. 
 
As GPs we have no control over these shortages, but we are increasingly the target of people's frustration if they are not able to obtain the medications they need. 
 
We prescribe medication generically - this means we prescribe by drug name, not brand name, except in certain particular circumstances where branded medication has been agreed in Local or National Guidelines to be essential or preferred. We are not able to override this on an individual level.
 
GPs do not have any control over pricing of medications, but sometimes supply issues can be due to high costs of certain medicines making it impossible for pharmacies to obtain supplies without financial penalty to themselves. This is not something we are responsible for, nor able to predict, and we will continue to prescribe generically as per guidelines which are decided on a North Central London policy level, not a local practice level.
 
Please treat our staff with respect and be understanding of these difficulties which are beyond our control.

Page last reviewed: 17 October 2025
Page created: 10 July 2020