A change to the way some people order their repeat prescriptions will be fully implemented next month in North East Lincolnshire.

Patients were informed that from April this year they would need to start ordering their regular medicines directly from their GP practice rather than choose to have a pharmacy or online service order on their behalf.

However, due to the impact of COVID-19 and the increased pressures on GP Practices and Community Pharmacies, the deadline for the change to be fully implemented was extended from the 1st of June until the 1st of September 2020.

The change only involves how patients order their prescriptions. Pharmacies will still collect prescriptions from GP surgeries if patients choose and they will still be able to deliver medications and other items to patients’ homes.

The change is happening in North East Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire, Hull and the East Riding of Yorkshire as well as further afield in parts of Yorkshire.

Dealing directly with their own GP practice is safer for patients as some people inadvertently end up with stocks of items they take less frequently or no longer need, with nowhere adequate to store or dispose of them. This also wastes NHS money that can be spent on other services. This change is being rolled out across the Humber Coast and Vale area and it is estimated as much as £2.5 million a year will be saved for the NHS as a result.

Many patients already choose to order their repeat prescriptions directly from their GP practice. This is usually done online through their practice website, or through the NHS App. If you don’t know your GP practice website address, use the search tool at nhsonline.info to find it, as well as more information about the other GP online services that are available.

Some patients prefer to tear off the green form on the back of their prescription, tick what medicines they require and drop it into the practice either themselves or through a nominated representative such as a family member or carer.

Practices and community pharmacies are working together to identify patients who may need more support ordering their medicines.

Any patients with concerns or queries should contact their local Patient Advice and Liaison Service on 0300 3000 500.