THE way patients order prescriptions across the North-East will soon be changing, with community pharmacies no longer able to order repeat medication for patients.

From September 2 this year, patients using these pharmacies will order their medication directly from their GP practice. Patients will still receive the medication they need, but the way they order it will change.

NHS Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) have already ensured work is well under way to ensure this process is as smooth as possible for patients.

Dr Janet Walker, medical director for Tees Valley CCGs, said: “We have made the decision to revise Repeat Prescription Ordering Systems in order to improve patient safety and reduce medical waste. The changes will ensure patients only receive the exact medication they need and it should make a huge difference."

The changes to repeat prescribing are being made by NHS Darlington CCG, North Durham CCG and Durham Dales, Easington and Sedgefield CCG, Hartlepool and Stockton-on-Tees CCG, and South Tees CCG.

There will be a small number of patients for whom the changes will not be suitable and it may be appropriate for their local pharmacy to continue to support them with ordering repeat medication.

As part of the project, GP practices will identify these patients and special arrangements will be put in place for them.

  • Patients can share their views on repeat prescribing by filling in a short survey: surveymonkey.co.uk/r/RPOSpatientsurvey
  • For more information on the project, please email necsu.rpos@nhs.net