Prescriptions

Your options to order medication

We offer several ways that you can request medication from us.

Some patients need medicines for a prolonged period, and our clinicians can authorise repeat prescriptions for these. If so, a record is kept on our computer systems so that you can ask for additional supplies when needed.

Ordering your repeat prescriptions through The Cranborne Practice is quick and convenient.

We understand the importance of making this process as simple as possible. Patients can order prescriptions through several easy methods:

Please scroll down to order your medication online. 

Prescription bags

Your offline options

If you prefer, you can simply drop off a repeat prescription request slip at reception.  Please note that we do not repeat prescriptions over the telephone via answerphone at either Lake Road or Cranborne surgeries.  This is to ensure patient safety and to avoid mistakes. 

Please ensure you request your medications at least 4 working days before they run out.  Whenever possible, we ask you to consider using the online service as this is the quickest and most efficient way we can process your medication requests.

 

Collections

Please remember to give 2 working days notice for collection or 3 working days notice if collecting from your chosen pharmacy.

Please be aware that repeat prescription boxes are emptied, and messages retrieved from the answer phone, first thing on the morning. If a repeat prescription is requested after 08:00 it will not be dealt with until the following working day and 2 working days starts from then.

Usually one months supply will be given at a time and you will be advised how frequently the doctor will want to check your treatment, but if you have any queries or feel you need to see a doctor earlier, please contact us.

Not Registered for a SystmOnline Patient Account?

In addition to requesting repeat prescriptions, there are many other services you can access online through a SystmOnline Patient Account, including 

  • viewing your patient record and see test results
  • updating your contact details
  • sending secure messages to the Practice and
  • changing your pharmacy.

If you would like to register for a SystmOnline account, please email cranborne.reception@dorsetgp.nhs.uk with a photo or scan of your ID (driving license preferably as it has address) and then the Practice will email back the log in details.

Parents or an adult with parental responsibility can obtain their child's username and password so that they can order repeat prescriptions on behalf of the child concerned. However, from the age of 16 years old an individual is deemed to be a "young adult" and will be able to obtain their own username and password. This is to enable a young adult to choose if they want to consult a doctor independently and confidentially. 

Note: SystmOnline is only available from within the UK. You cannot access SystmOnline from abroad.

Please Only Order What You Need!

Did you know that approximately 1.6 million medicine items are wasted unnecessarily in Dorset every year?  We are asking our patients for help to reduce this.

We want people to have the right medicine and care while reducing the amount of medicine waste. If you have enough medicine at home, there’s no need to order more every time. You will still be able to request your medicine again in the future.  

The good news is that you can help make a tremendous difference by only ordering what you need. 

Thank you to the many people who are already doing this.

For more information, visit the NHS Dorset website here>> www.nhsdorset.nhs.uk/yourmeds

Ordering prescriptions for children up to age 15

Parents or an adult with parental responsibility can obtain their child's username and password so that they can order repeat prescriptions on behalf of the child concerned. However, from the age of 16, an individual is deemed to be a "young adult" and will be able to obtain their own username and password. This is to enable young adults to choose whether to consult a doctor independently and confidentially. 

Prescription Fees

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

The current NHS prescription charges can be found on the NHS website here>> 

If you need help with NHS costs or need to find out if you can get free prescriptions please click the button below for further information, please follow this link for more information>>

Or telephone Tel: 0300 330 1341

Over The Counter Medicines (OTC)

Prescriptions for medicines such as Paracetamol that can be bought over the counter at Pharmacies and Supermarkets. 

By reducing the amount the NHS spends on OTC medicines, the NHS can give priority to treatments for people with more serious conditions, such as cancer, diabetes and mental health problems.

Please click here for more information and a list of minor health conditions you can by over the counter medicines for.

a cartoon image of medications, the NHS Dorset logo and the words #HelpYourNHS

Disposal of Unwanted or Out of Date Medicines

Unwanted medication can be returned to your usual pharmacy for safe destruction. 

If you have your own sharps boxes at home then they need to be dated & signed when opened and then when closed, before being returned to the Surgery.

Page last reviewed: 02 May 2025
Page created: 13 April 2023