Prescribing Policy
We continually monitor our prescribing to ensure patients are receiving the most effective and medically appropriate treatment. We work closely with our colleagues at NHS Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire (BNSSG) CCG and their Medicines Management Team to make changes to either improve safety and quality or to reduce costs without affecting your treatment. Your medication will be reviewed on a regular basis.
Urgent Prescription Policy
Purpose
To ensure patients who require urgent medication are able to access treatment safely and promptly, whilst allowing the practice to manage urgent prescription requests in a consistent and equitable manner.
Scope
This policy applies only to medications listed on the Practice Urgent Prescription Medication List (maintained separately and reviewed periodically by the Partners and Prescribing Team). All other prescription requests should be submitted via the normal repeat prescription process and are not covered by this policy.
Procedure
- Patients requesting an urgent prescription for a medication included on the Practice Urgent Prescription Medication List must attend the surgery in person.
- The patient (or their representative) must complete an Urgent Prescription Request Form.
- Completed forms must be submitted to Reception no later than 1:00pm on the day the medication is required.
- Requests received before 1:00pm will be processed as a priority.
- The Practice guarantees that prescriptions meeting the above criteria will be authorised and transmitted to the patient's nominated pharmacy by 6:00pm on the same working day.
- Requests received after 1:00pm will be processed as soon as possible but cannot be guaranteed for same-day completion.
Exclusions
The urgent prescription service does not apply to:
- Controlled drugs unless specifically authorised by a prescriber.
- Medications requiring clinical review before issue.
- Medications not included on the Practice Urgent Prescription Medication List.
- Requests received after 1:00pm.
Patient Responsibilities
Patients are expected to:
- Order routine medication in sufficient time and in accordance with the Practice's repeat prescription policy.
- Maintain an adequate supply of regular medication.
- Ensure their nominated pharmacy details are up to date.
Exceptional Circumstances
The Practice reserves the right to make reasonable exceptions in exceptional clinical circumstances where a prescriber determines that immediate treatment is necessary to prevent harm to a patient.
Review
This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if operational requirements or prescribing guidance change.