Dispensary
Approximately half of our patients are eligible to receive their medication from our dispensary at the Riverside Health Centre.
If you live more than a mile (as the crow flies) from a community pharmacy, then you come into this category. If you are unsure whether you qualify, please ask.
If you see the doctor or nurse and medications are prescribed, the prescription will be dispensed to you on your way out. Just make yourself known to the dispensers and they will call you when the drugs are ready.
Dispensary opening times
Our dispensary is open Monday to Friday 8:30am to 1pm and 2pm to 6pm. We also close each bank holiday day for the full day.
Ordering repeat prescriptions
The easiest ways to order repeat prescriptions are:
- using your NHS account (through the NHS website or in the NHS App)
- Using Anima
- using the GP online system: SystmOnline
These accounts show you all your repeat medicine and dosage and you can choose the ones you need.
You can also:
- bring your paper slip to the surgery
We do not take repeat prescription requests over the phone or email.
Collecting your prescription
We follow the North East Essex ICB policy and provide 28 day supply of medication, on repeat.
You can usually collect your prescription 3 working days after you have ordered it.
You will need to choose a pharmacy to collect your prescription 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 any pharmacy that accepts repeat prescriptions
Dispensary repeat scheme
If you have regular repeat medications that do not change, you may wish us to add you to our repeat scheme.
As we know that you will require your medications 28 days after the last medications were collected, those whose details are on the scheme will have their regular medications prepared before the 28 days have elapsed and can collect them without having to put in a repeat request.
This simplifies the procedure for both the dispensary and the patient. On collection you will be informed of the date after which your next medications can be collected.
This does not apply to ‘as required’ medications, which will still need to be requested.
Questions about your prescription
If you have questions about your medicine, your local pharmacists can answer these. They can also answer questions on medicines you can buy without a prescription.
The NHS website has information on how your medicine works, how and when to take it, possible side effects and answers to your common questions.
Go to Medicines A to Z (nhs.uk)
If you would like to speak to someone at the GP surgery about your prescription:
- use the Anima service
- phone our Dispensary between 11-1 & 2-4pm on 01206 397070 for non medical queries.
Medication reviews
If you have a repeat prescription, we may ask you to come in for a regular review. We will be in touch when you need to come in for a review.
Prescription charges
Find out more about prescription charges (nhs.uk).
What to do with old medicines
Please take old medication to the pharmacy who dispensed it to you. Do not put it in your household bin or flush it down the toilet.
About pharmacists
As qualified healthcare professionals, pharmacists can offer advice on minor illnesses such as:
- coughs
- colds
- sore throats
- tummy trouble
- aches and pains
They can also advise on medicine that you can buy without a prescription.
Many pharmacies are open until late and at weekends. You do not need an appointment.
Most pharmacies have a private room where you can discuss issues with pharmacy staff.