Our standard prescribing approach
To ensure safe, fair and consistent prescribing, the practice issues repeat prescriptions for up to 28 days at a time for all patients.
Applying the same rule to everyone helps:
- Support safe prescribing and regular medication review
- Reduce medicines waste
- Ensure fairness and consistency for all patients
- Keep our prescribing and dispensing processes clear and manageable
This approach helps avoid confusion and ensures the policy is applied equally to all patients.
Why we follow a single 28‑day policy
We are a rural dispensing practice and our on‑site dispensary is a vital service for many patients who may otherwise have limited or delayed access to medicines.
Using a consistent 28‑day prescribing interval helps us ensure that:
- Medicines can be supplied safely and reliably
- The dispensing service remains available to patients who depend on it
- The service can continue to operate efficiently for the benefit of the community
This approach helps protect ongoing access to medicines for patients in our rural area.
Exceptions to this policy
The only routine exceptions to the 28‑day prescribing interval are:
- when it may not be appropriate for example: “as required” items, contraception, creams and certain inhalers.
- when a patient is going on holiday and needs additional medication to cover their time away
If you have planned travel:
- Please contact the practice in advance
- Additional supply will be provided only for the duration of travel
No other routine exceptions apply.
Why longer supplies are not routinely issued
Although longer prescription durations may be suitable in some settings, the practice has decided not to routinely issue prescriptions for longer than 28 days.
This single approach helps:
- Ensure fairness across all patients
- Prevent confusion and repeated requests for exceptions
- Maintain a safe, reliable dispensing service for our rural community
This policy applies to all patients, including those on long‑term or stable medication.
Medication reviews and safety
All patients will continue to receive:
- Regular medication reviews
- Any required monitoring or tests
These are essential to ensure medicines remain safe and effective.
Prescription Charges
If you pay for NHS prescriptions, a Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC) could save you money.
A PPC covers all your NHS prescriptions for a fixed cost and may be beneficial if you need:
- More than 3 items in 3 months, or
- More than 11 items in 12 months
You can apply:
- Online via the NHSBSA website
- By phone: NHSBSA order line 0300 330 1341
- At some pharmacies: (usually 3‑month or HRT PPCs)
Before applying, check whether you’re entitled to free NHS prescriptions.
If you have questions about this policy or are planning a holiday, please contact the practice dispensary and we will be happy to advise.
Last Updated 23 April 2026