Prescriptions

Ordering repeat prescriptions

The easiest ways to order repeat prescriptions are:

• using your NHS account (through the NHS website or in the NHS App). This is the best method as it shows you all your repeat medicine and dosage and you can choose the ones you need.
• using an online prescription request form on this website

You can also:

• order over the phone by calling us on 01784 420700, Monday to Friday. To avoid the morning rush and a longer waiting time please call when the phone lines are less busy between 11am and 3pm.
• bring the paper form to the surgery, when we are open.
• post your prescription slip to us (please include an SAE so we can send it back to you)

Collecting your prescription

Virtually all prescriptions are now electronically sent directly to the pharmacy shop of your choice. You can usually collect your medication from the pharmacy 72 hours after you have ordered it. If the pharmacy shop does not have all your medication in stock then the shop should tell you this prior to dispensing the medication so that you have the choice to try another pharmacy shop instead.  They should not ask you to go back to your GP practice.

If not done already then you will need to lets know your choosen pharmacy that you wish to collect your medication from. We call this nominating a pharmacy.

You can change your nominated pharmacy at any time:

• on the app or website where you order repeat prescriptions
• at your GP practice
• at any pharmacy that accepts repeat prescriptions

Dentist/Private Sedation Medication Requests

Dentists, MRI scans, fear of flying or any private provider  should not direct patients to GPs requesting they prescribes sedating medications, such as diazepam.

If a dentist wishes to prescribe sedating medications for anxious patients that dentist should be responsible for issuing the prescription. The dental practitioner’s formulary, which is the list of drugs a dentist can prescribe is found on the BNF dental practitioners formulary, includes Diazepam Tablets and Oral Solution.

If the dentist is treating a patient within their practice NHS contract, then the prescription should be on a FP14D form. Dentists do not have EPS.

If the dentist is treating a patient privately, they should issue a private prescription.

Dentists can access a patient’s summary care record via the DERs/Rego electronic referral system for NHS England South East dental referrals.

You can also visit this website for more support regarding fear of the dentist and general help https://www.dentalphobia.co.uk/get-help/

If the request is prior to an MRI scan then please speak to the provider who is organising the MRI scan as we cannot prescribe sedative medication.

If the sedative is for a private procedure then speak to the provider involved. If they cannot help then you may need to speak to a private GP service.

Fear of Flying

We understand that fear of flying is a genuine and alarming issue. It can be incredibly challenging. However, we have a policy of not prescribing sedatives for fear of flying. The clinical team has made this decision to ensure your safety, and all prescribers in the practice adhere to it.

We know that you may have concerns about this policy, so we wanted to explain the reasons behind it. Diazepam, a common sedative, can cause drowsiness and relaxation. While this might seem helpful during a flight, it can also impair your ability to respond to an emergency. This could have serious safety implications for you and others on your flight.

Furthermore, sedative drugs can cause non-REM sleep, which can increase the risk of developing a blood clot in the leg or lung. Blood clots can be fatal, and the risk is even higher during long flights. Additionally, while benzodiazepines like diazepam usually cause sedation, some people may experience paradoxical agitation and aggression, which could put you and others at risk.

We want to assure you that our doctors follow prescribing guidelines to ensure your safety. Benzodiazepines are contraindicated in phobia, and prescribing them against these guidelines could put our doctors at legal risk. These drugs are only licensed for short-term use in cases of crisis, and it is important to receive proper care and support for your mental health.

We suggest that you consider enrolling in a Fear of Flying course run by the airlines. We have listed some options below that you may find helpful. We hope that you understand our policy and appreciate our commitment to your safety and well-being.

Easy Jet www.fearlessflyer.easyjet.com Tel 0203 8131644

British Airways www.flyingwithconfidence.com Tel 01252 793250

Virgin www.flyingwithoutfear.co.uk Tel 01423 714900

Patients who still wish to take benzodiazepines for flight anxiety are advised to consult with a private GP or travel clinic.

It is important to declare all medical conditions and medications you take to your travel insurer. If not, there is a risk of nullifying any insurance policy you may have