If you need to order a repeat prescription, PLEASE AVOID ATTENDING OR TELEPHONING the surgery. You can order your medications by any of the following methods:

• By Downloading the NHS App
• By Telephoning your nearest pharmacy who will request your medications for you
• By Ordering online using SystmOnline

Please note, you DO NOT need to stockpile your usual medications - we are available to respond to all your usual medication requests.

If you require prescriptions for regular and continuing treatment, it is not always necessary to see the doctor each time. Repeat prescriptions are computerised and the tear-off slip at the side will indicate the date your review is due.

Give 3 full working days’ notice. Please DO NOT telephone.

Patients at the Crossways Surgery have the benefit of being able to obtain their prescriptions direct from our own Dispensary. Our dispensers are also able to provide additional assistance if you have any queries regarding your dispensed medication. They can also offer advice, for example treatment of headlice or compliance aids for the elderly.

The dispensary at Crossways Surgery is open at the following times:

Please remember to take weekends and bank holidays into account.

Please allow 72 hours for processing repeat prescriptions. 

In most cases the prescription will be for 28 days supply.  To help us to respond quickly to your request, please use the printed slip supplied with your last prescription and tick the appropriate medication.  In some instances your medication will be due a review, therefore you may need to see the doctor before the prescription is given.

• SystmOnline
• The NHS App
• Repeat requests can also be posted or placed in the prescription box at reception (or in the box by the front door if the surgery is closed).

Some of the local chemists within Dorchester operate a collection service in conjunction with the Atrium Health Centre.  Please ask at reception for details.

We no longer accept requests for repeat medication over the phone.

If you would be interested in helping to deliver medications on a weekly basis to housebound patients living in the Crossways area please contact us.

If you think you will need an extra supply of your medication, for example if you are going on holiday, please attach an explanatory note to your prescription request.  A further two days should be allowed for the prescription to be processed by the chemist.

In some cases emergency medication is required.  Requests can be made to any member of the surgery team. If either surgery is closed, emergency medication and advice can be obtained from a local pharmacy. 

If you or someone you care for uses the same medicines regularly, you may be able to benefit from electronic repeat dispensing. This means you won't have to re-order or collect your repeat prescriptions from your GP practice every time you need more medicine.

You simply collect your regular medication from your usual pharmacy each month without actually having to order it.

To enable electronic dispensing you need to have a nominated pharmacy and we will set this with you. Your regular medication will then be available at that pharmacy.

When your pharmacy supplies your last electronic repeat prescription, they will inform you. You will then have to contact your GP practice to ask for another set of electronic repeat prescriptions. You may need to be seen for a review before another batch of electronic repeat dispensing prescription is authorised.

See more here

The Dorset CCG Primary Care Commissioning Committee (PCCC) has recently approved the following document regarding prescribing for overseas travel.

Prescribing for Overseas Travel

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.

Did you know that you can recycle your used inhalers at the following local pharmacies?

By recycling inhalers, it can be used to recycle the plastic or generate energy.

Dorchester

Superdrug: 17 South Street, Dorchester, DT1 1BS

Boots: 12-13 Cornhill, Dorchester, DT1 1BQ

Tesco: Weymouth Avenue, Dorchester, DT1 2RY

Weymouth

Morrisons: 244, Dorchester Road, Weymouth, DT3 5JB

Boots: 26 Abbotsbury Rd, Weymouth DT4 0AE