Most people see the result. A small white bag or box with your name on it. It can feel like a quick process. You see a clinician…. They sign something or press a button…The pharmacy hands it over. Job done.
Every prescription goes on quite a journey before it reaches you. Understanding that journey can save you time, prevent last minute stress and help you get the absolute best from the system.
We thought that it would be interesting to show you the life of a prescription. Let’s walk through it together.
So, first things first. There are two types of prescription
- Acute prescriptions
These are one off medication to deal with a specific problem. Think antibiotics for an infection or treatment for a short-term flare up. You need it now, you take it, and that is usually the end of it. - Repeat prescriptions
These are for longer term conditions. They might support things like blood pressure, asthma, diabetes, or other ongoing health needs. Some people may need these medicines for many months, years, sometimes for life.
Let’s have a look at the journey for each as they are slightly different. Spoiler alert a repeat will mean you need to play a part too.
Now, some patients receive medications in medication compliance aids or receive weekly prescriptions. The ordering for these is managed by our prescriptions team.
Acute prescriptions
Ok, here is what happens behind the scenes when you are given a new acute prescription.
- You see a clinician.
- They assess you and decide that medication is needed.
- They authorise the prescription in the clinical system.
- It is usually sent electronically to your nominated pharmacy. This is the pharmacy you chose when you registered, but you can change it at any time using the NHS App, our website or by calling the surgery.
The script has now left the surgery and is sent to the National EPS (Electronic Prescription Service) Spine. Now it continues its journey…..
- The pharmacy receives a notification and downloads the prescription securely.
- The pharmacist reviews it checking doses, safety, interactions, and suitability.
- The medication is then prepared and dispensed exactly as written.
If the pharmacy does not have the item in stock, they cannot simply swap it for something similar. Even if it seems obvious. They must contact the surgery to discuss alternatives, because only the prescriber can change what has been authorised.
Once everything is ready, you collect your medication. Usually this can be quite quick, but it does depend on how busy the pharmacy is.
It may feel instant, but both the surgery and the pharmacy are working through many prescriptions at once. For example, in January 2026, School Lane prescribed 33,000 items. So little patience goes a long way.
But what about the repeat prescription? And what do you need to do?
Repeat prescriptions
Repeat prescriptions are slightly more complex. The key thing to remember is this: You need to request your next supply. The surgery does not automatically order it for you.
We always recommend ordering 7 days before you run out. This may differ between surgeries, so if you are newly registered, you will be informed and need to note this.
But Why 7 days?
Because your prescription travels through several steps, and this allows for busy periods, weekends, bank holidays and any stock issues at the pharmacy. It gives everyone time to do things safely and properly.
If you are ordering through the NHS App, it will only let you order medication 7 days before.
There are two main ways to order your repeat medication.
One is much quicker and easier. Don’t be put off as anyone can order it this way….and is save paper to. That is ordering through the NHSApp….
Ordering through the NHS App
Using the NHS App is the fastest and simplest route. This is what we recommend as there is less than can go wrong.
Here is how it works.
- Open the NHS App and select the medication you need.
- Your request is sent securely and directly into your clinical record.
- The system checks a few important things automatically.
These checks include
- Are you still within your medication review date?
- Are you requesting a high-risk drug (such as morphine)?
- Has anything changed about what you are ordering?
If everything is in date and unchanged, your request is processed and sent to a clinician to authorise. Easy!
Once authorised, it is sent electronically to your nominated pharmacy. In most cases, it should be ready within a couple of days.
No paper. No handwriting errors. No waiting for slips to be processed manually.
If you are unsure how to use the App, our NHSApp Ambassadors can help you set it up and show you how it works. Our App Ambassadors are always ‘Appy to help!’
Ordering using a paper slip
If you prefer paper, you can drop your repeat slip into the surgery.
- Mark clearly what you need.
- Hand it to reception or place it in the secure post box.
- It is collected and transferred to the surgery Prescriptions Team.
This team includes pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and prescription clerks who work within the surgery (note they are not linked to any external pharmacy).
They will
- Add your request to your clinical record
- Check your medication review date
- Check for high-risk items
- Check for any changes
If everything is straightforward, it is passed to a clinician to sign. Once authorised, it is sent electronically to your chosen pharmacy and your paper slip is securely destroyed.
What if something needs reviewing?
Sometimes certain requests need extra attention.
If your medication review date has passed, if you are requesting a high-risk drug, or if there are changes, the surgery pharmacists will review the request.
They may contact you to discuss your medication or arrange an appointment for review. Sometimes this feels inconvenient, especially if you just want your usual supply. But medication reviews are vital. They ensure your treatment is still right for you, safe and effective.
If you try to order on the NHSApp and cannot because your review is overdue, please call the surgery. The Prescription Team can help arrange authorisation and book any necessary appointments.
You can quickly and easily request a medication review via our form on the website: https://schoollanesurgery.co.uk/services/managing-your-health-online/online-forms/medication-review/
A quick note about pharmacy services
Some pharmacies offer additional services beyond simply dispensing your medication. For example, some may provide secure collection lockers that allow you to pick up your medicines outside normal opening hours. Others may offer home delivery or prepare your medicines in a dossett box if you take multiple items.
These services are organised and managed by individual pharmacies. They are not arranged or controlled by the surgery. If a pharmacy changes or stops a service such as delivery or dossett boxes, this is a decision made by that pharmacy.
If you rely on a particular service, you are free to choose a pharmacy that best meets your needs. You can change your nominated pharmacy at any time using the NHS App, through our website or by contacting the surgery team.
Here are a few simple tips to keep everything running smoothly.
- Order 7 days before you run out
- Keep an eye on your medication review date
- Use the NHS App wherever possible
- Make sure your nominated pharmacy is correct
- Let us know in good time if you are going away for extra medication
As you can see a prescription is never just a signature. It is legal document and a coordinated process involving clinicians, pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, prescription clerks and community pharmacy, all working together to keep you safe.
When you understand that journey, you become part of the team. And when you use tools (i.e. NHS App) and order in good time, you help us work even more efficiently. After all we are dealing with 33,000 items per month!
Working together it can be smooth and stress free for you too.