+44 20 7723 9600What is an NHS prescription?
An NHS prescription is issued by a prescriber, such as a doctor on behalf of the NHS. Depending on the medicine you need, your prescription can either be a one-off or a repeat.
Repeat or one off prescriptions
A one-off prescription is usually given for a condition where medicine is only needed for a short period of time. Repeat prescriptions are usually for conditions that require regular medication and can be ordered when it is needed, without having to see a GP every time.
Prescription information in England
Re-ordering your NHS repeat prescription with Collins Prescriptions Plus
If you have a repeat NHS prescription for regular medication, you can order it without the need to book an appointment with your GP when you run low, through Collins Prescriptions Plus. Although, you’ll still need to see your GP for your regular, scheduled medicine reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I order prescriptions online?
You can order repeat NHS prescriptions for yourself or on behalf of someone you care for, with their consent, through Collins Prescriptions Plus, using our online prescription service. Sign up to Collins Prescriptions Plus online through your collinschemist.co.uk account to order the prescription item(s) needed, or if you live in England you can use your NHS Login to select medication from your GP record.
If you live in England, you have the choice to collect your medication at any Collins pharmacy or have it delivered for free.* Patients in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales can collect it from their local store. We’ll let you know when your prescription is ready, and remind you when it’s time for you to re-order.
How can Collins help with my NHS prescription?
You have the choice of which pharmacy you take your prescription to, or where your prescription is sent. If your GP is based in England and you would like your prescription to be sent from your GP electronically, you can nominate a pharmacy to receive your prescriptions via the Electronic Prescription Service (EPS).
You can also sign up to our free Text Message Service next time you’re in store and we’ll send you a text message to let you know when your dispensed medication is ready to collect.
NHS prescription cost and exemptions
The standard prescription charge in England is currently £9.90 per item on your prescription (sometimes there are exceptions). Chat with a member of your pharmacy team for more information on your prescription charges.
Depending on age or circumstance, some people are entitled to free NHS prescriptions. Use the NHS eligibility checker to find out if you’re entitled to free NHS prescriptions.
Do I need a Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC)
Depending on the number of items you have over a period of time it may be cost-effective to purchase a Prescription prepayment certificate (PPC). The certificate includes all of your NHS prescriptions for a set price. It will be more cost-effective to purchase a PPC if you have more than 3 medication items in 3 months, or 11 medication items in 12 months. The cost of a PPC is £32.05 for 3 months and £114.50 for 12 months, which can be paid upfront or in monthly instalments.
Do I need the NHS Hormone Replacement Therapy PPC?
If you get prescriptions for hormone replacement therapy (HRT), it may be more cost-effective to purchase an NHS Hormone Replacement Therapy Prescription Prepayment Certificate (HRT PPC) | NHSBSA. The certificate includes all of your NHS-prescribed HRT prescriptions for a set price. It will be more cost-effective to purchase a PPC if you have more than 3 HRT medication items in 12 months. The cost of HRT PPC is £19.80 for 12 months, as a one-off payment.
