Queensway Surgery will no longer accept prescription requests through any pharmacy. 

This includes blister packed medication.

How do I request my medication?

Download and use the NHS App to order prescriptions. Please ask reception if you need assistance.

Go online at www.queenswaysurgery.co.uk and click on the box “contact us online.”

Hand delivers to Queensway in the postbox or reception inside the premises or through the letterbox outside when closed.

Housebound only patients can call the surgery.

With your consent ask relatives to complete a proxy form to request on your behalf and order your requests online.

Where patients are unable to request medication and they do not have relatives or carers to request, the surgery will raise a safeguarding alert with the local team. In these circumstances, please contact the surgery directly.

Why are we changing how to request?

We have in recent months noticed a huge increase in the number of discrepancies and delays when requests are made via the pharmacies, causing distress, confusion and delay for you, the patient. We feel that by patients taking control of their medication and liaising directly with the surgery, we will reduce this confusion and distress.

We thank you for helping us to help you.

If your long-term medication has been approved on a repeat prescription basis you can order in the following ways:

• By hand- bring your slip with the required items clearly marked. 
• Online -  (If you are not yet set up with Online Access please contact reception.)
• By Email - scripts.f81081@nhs.net

Please note we are unable to accept repeat prescription requests over the telephone or verbally in any way.

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

Patients on repeat medication will be asked to see a doctor, nurse practitioner 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. If you do not attend a medication review the GP may need to stop prescribing the medication until a review is carried out to ensure the medication is still medically accurate.

Gluten free food products are not available on prescription. If you are a patient with coeliac disease you can get further information and advice from:

NHS Southend Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG)

Website: www.southendccg.nhs.uk/coeliac   

Email: SCCG.Communications@nhs.net

Tel: 01702 314299

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

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

• Prescription (per item): £9.65
• 12-month prepayment certificate (PPC): £111.60
• 3-month PPC: £31.25

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.

• Telephone advice and order line 0845 850 0030
• General Public - Buy or Renew a PPC On-line

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

The local NHS shares some simple hints and advice on keeping healthy and knowing where to go for medical support during the festive period.

With Christmas and New Year’s just around the corner, many of us are focused on our big plans and spreading festive cheer. Although none of us want to get ill or need medical care, sometimes things don’t go the way we would like. To make sure you’re as prepared as you can be, the local NHS has put together some advice on how to handle any medical needs you might have.

Your community pharmacist will be happy to offer advice on essential medicines you should keep at home. By doing so, you will be best prepared to deal with minor illnesses and injuries. Some essentials include:

• Painkillers like paracetamol and ibuprofen
• Anti-diarrhoea medicines
• Oral rehydration salts
• Indigestion treatments
• Antihistamines
• Plasters and bandages
• Thermometer

In addition, local pharmacies are now able to provide medicines for some conditions, if appropriate, without the need for a GP appointment or prescription. These include:

• earache (for those aged between 1 and 17),
• impetigo
• infected insect bites
• shingles
• sinusitis
• sore throat
• urinary tract infections (UTIs) for women aged 16-64 years

Remember to order prescription medications as early as possible ahead of the bank holiday as many GP practices and pharmacies will have limited opening hours over the bank holiday weekend.  You should order your repeat prescription at least seven days before you run out.

If you are planning a trip or visiting relatives, make sure to take your medication with you. Bring extra just in case there are any delays getting home.

If you or a family member feels unwell you can use the 111 online symptom checker as a first port of call or you can also telephone 111 for more urgent health concerns. Both are available 24 hours a day.

Emergency lines are always open 24 hours a day for serious and life-threatening emergencies. In case of a mental health crisis, adults can call NHS 111 and select the option for mental health at any time. Young people under 18 can call 0800 995 1000.

For more information visit: https://www.midandsouthessex.ics.nhs.uk/health/support/bank-holiday-services/