Repeat Prescriptions and Electronic Repeat Dispensing (eRD)

 Requesting Your Repeat Medication

The easiest and most efficient way to request repeat medication is through the NHS App (Link opens in a new browser tab).
If you have not registered, we encourage you to do so. You may also request medication by emailing the practice, medication.thecambridge@nhs.net.

Please ensure you have nominated a pharmacy to receive your prescriptions electronically via the Electronic Prescription Service (EPS). If your doctor has authorised your medication for repeat prescribing, you will not need to be seen each time.

However, you must still submit a request when you are running low. Please note: We cannot accept repeat prescription requests by telephone.

 

How to Submit Routine Medication Requests

Routine prescription requests are processed within 3–5 working days.
(excluding weekends and bank holidays). If a pharmacy orders your medication on your behalf, please check with them for their processing times.
Remember that pharmacies also require time to dispense your medication once issued.

 

Important Notices

  • Requests handed in at Lower Farnham Road Surgery require an additional working day.
  • Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays are not working days. Any requests received during these times will be processed on the next working day.

Please request your prescription 10 days before you run out. This helps avoid delays—especially around bank holidays and busy periods.

 

Medication Synchronisation

If you take several medications that run out at different times, you may benefit from our medication synchronisation service.

To use this service:

1. Count the number of tablets you have left for each medication.
2. Complete a Medication Synchronisation Form. (PDF document opens in a new browser tab).
3. Speak to a prescription clerk or ask at reception for the form.

Medication synchronisation helps reduce multiple requests and ensures your medicines run out at the same time.

 

Electronic Repeat Dispensing (eRD)

Electronic Repeat Dispensing (eRD) is the paperless version of repeat dispensing.
It allows regular medications to be issued more efficiently and reduces the need to order every month. You will need to provide verbal or written consent to sign up.
This can be done at the practice or your nominated community pharmacy.

 

Benefits of eRD

  • A single digital signature can authorise up to 12 months of prescriptions. This reduces the need to request each month.
  • Prescriptions are stored securely on the NHS Spine, and pharmacies download them automatically at the correct intervals.
  • You may change your nominated pharmacy at any time.
  • Pharmacies can issue medication early at their discretion (e.g., for holiday supply).
  • eRD can be cancelled at any time for an individual item or the whole prescription.

 

Who Is Suitable for eRD?

You may be suitable if:

  • You use a pharmacy‑managed repeat service.
  • Your medicines are synchronised and collected at regular intervals.
  • Your medication regime has been stable for several months.
  • You have a long‑term condition with no recent medication changes.

Suitability will be assessed on an individual basis by the Pharmacy Team. If you are interested in eRD, please speak with the team for advice.

 

Please see the video below for more information in regard to eRD...