LITTLE WALTHAM & GREAT NOTLEY SURGERIES
PRESCRIBING INTERVAL POLICY
The practice operates a 28 day prescribing policy. This policy produces a good
balance between the medically appropriate needs of the patient, patient safety,
safeguarding NHS resources and patient convenience.
Except in very rare circumstances, 28 days medication will be prescribed at a time.
This is in line with the guidance contained in mid-Essex CCG’s Medicines
Management Standards 2014-16:
 3.4 Duration of treatment - Prescriptions will generally be for a maximum of
28 days or a single original pack
Patients who are stabilised on their medicines and are suitable for longer prescribing
intervals can be considered for batch repeat dispensing (6 month’s prescriptions can
be given to the pharmacy of choice, avoiding the need to order from the practice
monthly). Patients who collect their medicines from the Surgery can be considered
for automated repeats which will be available for collection monthly on a date
agreed with the patient.
Where possible all medicines on the repeat template should be aligned to the same
quantity and issue date. Co-ordination and alignment of quantities avoids the need
for multiple visits to the surgery and repeat requests.
A prescription fee is payable for each 28 day supply of each item of medication.
For patients who pay for prescriptions but require 4 or more prescriptions in 3
months, or 14 or more prescriptions in 12 months, it may be cheaper to pre pay.
Details and pre-payment forms can be obtained from the dispensary or online:
https://apps.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/ppcwebsales/patient.do
Some medicines are suitable for more than 28 day prescribing, examples include:
 HRT
 Oral contraceptives
Last Review January 2015
Prescribing Interval Policy
Next Review April 2015