Prescription FAQs
How long will it take you to process my prescription request?
We aim to process all requests within 48-72 hours. This does not include weekends or Bank Holidays. Once it has been sent to your local pharmacy, they will likely need some more time to get it ready for you (they can inform you of how long this will be).
How soon can I request my prescription?
We’d recommend you do this seven days before your medication is due. We will accept earlier requests in festive periods and in special circumstances. Please let us know about the reason when you are requesting early.
My prescription request was rejected, and I didn’t know about it. Why?
When our prescribers reject a request, they usually state a reason. If you are using NHS App to request your medications, you will be able to see the reason for rejection. For requests made via a different method, the team at the Prescribing Hub will forward any messages from your GP, but it may take a few days to be actioned.
I want to request a prescription that is not on my repeat list, I can’t see it on Patient Access.
You will be able to see it and request it if you switch to NHS App. Otherwise, you will have to wait until your clinician has decided to move this medication onto your repeat list (please note some medications are left as acute indefinitely for safety reasons). You can contact us via this email address bnssg.pmgprescriptions@nhs.net or you can ask your clinician about this.
What can I do with my expired/unused medications?
Please take them back to your local pharmacy so that they can be safely disposed of. Pharmacies have special arrangements to have medication waste collected which is then sent for safe incineration.
An exception to this is sharps, which cannot be accepted by a pharmacy. To dispose of these, please contact the council here and arrange a free collection (remember to ask for an ‘exchange’ at the time of booking if you would like your bin replaced with a new one).
Why can’t I just pour them down the sink or put them in the bin?
Medications poured down a drain can cause a water quality issue, as water treatment plants do not always remove medications as part of their treatment. These contaminated waters can cause many problems to humans, other animals, and the environment (i.e. antibiotics can increase the risk of antibiotic resistance and hazardous medications can endanger public health).
Similarly, inhalers put in the bin will end up releasing HFAs and CFCs (which help administering the medication). These air polluting agents damage the ozone layer.
How can I further contribute to a greener planet with my medication?
In more ways than you think! Here are some:
- By utilising resources effectively: request medication only when you need it, and do take it if you have to
- Check your cupboards regularly for expired medications
- Be clear on which medications you are supposed to take, you can ask us or your local pharmacy for a print out
- Accept switches of medication when it’s suggested to you by healthcare professionals at our organisation. Especially for inhalers, as we now know that many commonly prescribed inhalers have very high CO2 emissions