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Following changes to the way repeat prescriptions are ordered*, NHS Greater Manchester (GM) is supporting patients to use the NHS App.

The changes mean that for the majority of patients, the pharmacy will no longer order prescriptions on their behalf.

The NHS App will be the safest and easiest way for patients to request their repeat prescription – giving them more control over their healthcare and taking away the hassle of unnecessary trips to the GP practice.

The app is easy to use, with a ‘Help’ section within the app to guide patients if they hit a snag, and allows patients to choose where their prescription is sent. So, for example, if you know you’ll be away from home or you are moving house, you can change your nominated pharmacy from within the app.

Patients can also order their prescription at any time that suits them. There’s no need to wait to join a telephone queue or wait until the GP surgery opens.

NHS GM has a produced a video, talking to a GP, community pharmacists as well as several patients, to explain how patients can use the NHS App and share how ordering their repeat prescriptions has made managing their healthcare easier. 

One patient – Martin from Stockport, said: “I would have had to go to the medical centre and wait in the queue, but this way it’s simple and takes a lot of burden away from you. You also feel like you know what’s going on with your medication and you’ve got some involvement in it.”

The video also highlight the benefits of the new ways of ordering:

  • reducing medicine waste, as current arrangements mean that many medicines are routinely ordered but not needed
  • giving patients better control over the ordering of their own repeat medication
  • improving safety by avoiding stockpiling of medication and preventing medication that has been stopped from being re-ordered by mistake
  • saving practice time with less time spent chasing and processing prescriptions, meaning staff can focus on offering more appointments and helping those unable to use the NHS App.

Luvjit Kandula, Chair of the Greater Manchester Primary Care Provider Board, said: “Ordering repeat prescriptions through the NHS App means that GP practices can spend more time offering patient appointments and dealing with more complex issues. Just as importantly though, it can allow patients to feel more empowered.

“You can order your prescription when you need it, to where you need it in no time at all. As well as being able to order your repeat prescriptions, the NHS App also allows you to access a range of NHS services. You can book and manage appointments, view your GP health record and find your NHS number.

“Your GP practice will let you know when changes to the ordering of repeat prescriptions are being introduced at your practice. So, we are asking patients to look out for a text, email or letter with further details. It is also important to mention that we know that some of our patients may struggle to order their own prescriptions and need additional assistance. This may be because of an existing medical condition or that they are not able to or, choose not to, go online.  In these cases, our GP practices, pharmacies and carers will work together to find an approach that best meets the needs of the patient.”