Methods of ordering your Repeat Prescriptions
Prescription Information
Methods of ordering prescriptions we accept
- NHS App
- Patient Access
- Medication requested via repeat slip or handwritten
- Using our prescription request form on our website
Please Note – This method of ordering prescriptions will terminate in September 2025
Methods of ordering prescriptions WE DO NOT accept
- Telephone Ordering
We can not accept prescription requests via telephone - Email Ordering
We can not accept prescription requests via email
How to use online services (NHS App) to order prescriptions
NHS App
Patient Access
How long does it take to process a prescription
Please allow 48 hours or 2 working days, for your prescription to be processed.
We would like to politely remind our patients, that it is your responsibility to order your prescriptions in good time, especially if your medication is likely to run out over a the weekend or a bank holiday.
We would advise patients to order their medication 7 days before it due to run out.
You can check if your prescription has been issued by using the NHS App or Patient Access.
How will my prescription be sent to my pharmacy
Electronic Prescriptions (EPS)
Pharmacies are registered to process your prescription electronically. This eliminates the need for you to collect your prescription from the surgery as it will be sent electronically to your nominated pharmacy and your medication will be ready and made up for collection for your convenience.
Please ask at your pharmacy or reception for more information.
A list of local pharmacies can be found at the bottom of this page.
Local Pharmacies within Widnes
Please click the button below for a list of local pharmacies
What to with old unused medication
Take these to your local pharmacy. Do not put it in your household bin or flush it down the toilet.
Prescription Charges
Prescription Charges
These charges apply in England only. In Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales prescriptions are free of charge.
- Prescription (per item): £9.90
- 3-month PPC: £32.05
- 12-month prepayment certificate (PPC): £114.50
If you will have to pay for four or more prescription items in three months, or more than 15 items in 12 months, you may find it cheaper to buy a PPC.
- PPC Telephone advice and order line 0845 850 0030
HRT Pre-payment Certificate
From the 1 April 2023, the Government is launching the HRT Pre-Payment Certificate (PPC) to reduce prescription costs for women receiving Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).
The HRT PPC will be available to buy in one single payment online, or in-person at some pharmacies. You can call 0300 330 2089 for help and support.
Before buying an HRT PPC, you should check if:
- you’re eligible for free NHS prescriptions using the eligibility checker: www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/check
- your medicine is covered by the HRT PPC. For a list of eligible HRT medication, visit: www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/hrt-ppc-medicines
- a 3 or 12 month PPC is more suitable. It covers all NHS prescriptions, not just HRT items. Visit: www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/ppc
Prescription Charge Exemptions
An NHS exemption certificate helps you to pay for your NHS costs, such as prescriptions or dental treatment.
To check if you have an NHS exemption, please click the button below
Non-urgent advice: Reducing medicines waste – only order what you need
We need your help to reduce this.
Check what medicines you have at home before you order your repeat prescriptions. If you have enough, only request the medicines you need this time. You will still be able to order others again in future.
Here are some tips to help you only order what you need:
● Try keeping all medication in one place at home so you can see what you have left and what you need to reorder.
● For each prescription, take medication from one pill packet at a time so that you can keep a track of what you’ve taken and what you have left
● Make a note on your calendar 7-10 days before your prescription due date to go through your medication and see what is left. Being organised in this way means that if bank holidays or weekends are coming up, you will have planned enough for these dates too.
Speak to your pharmacy team if you have any questions about how to change your prescription request.
Thank you for helping to reduce medicine waste.
Visit the Medicines Waste page on the NHS Cheshire and Merseyside website to find out more:
www.cheshireandmerseyside.nhs.uk/medicines-waste
Page last reviewed: 27 May 2025
Reviewed by: Adam Bolton