Siam Surgery Supports 28 Day Prescribing
28 day prescribing means that each time you get a prescription, you will receive enough of each medicine to last you one month.
What is the reason behind this?
Research has shown that a very large amount of medication is wasted when doctors prescribe for two months (56 days) resulting in the loss of millions of pounds of NHS money. This money could be used to provide services elsewhere in the NHS.
The Department of Health supports one month prescribing and has said: “A 28 day repeat prescribing interval is recognised by the NHS as making the best possible balance between patient convenience, good medical practice and minimal drug wastage”.
28 day prescribing is supported by the West Suffolk Clinical Commissioning Group.
How will 28 day prescribing affect you?
If you are being prescribed a “repeat medicine” your doctor will prescribe enough of each medicine to last you for 28 days. For example, if you are taking 2 tablets a day you will receive 56 tablets, 3 tablets a day 84 tablets, 4 tablets a day 112 tablets etc.
Are there any exceptions?
There are some drugs which are prescribed in 3 or 6 monthly amounts e.g. contraceptive pills and hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
What are the benefits of 28 day prescribing?
You will always start (and finish), the container of each medicine on the same day of the week. In this way, it will be easier for your doctor to review all of the repeat medicines you are taking and to see if you might be having problems with any of your medicines.
Companies already manufacture a large number of medicines in 28 day ‘calendar packs’ that show the day of the week on the packaging. This packaging allows you to check and monitor that you have taken your medication each day
28 day prescribing reduces the amount of medicine which is currently wasted when medicines are stopped or changed by doctors. It also reduces the amount which is wasted when partly filled containers are thrown away.
At the moment, a large number of patients make several visits a month to the surgery because their medicines run out at different times. As you will finish your medicines all at the same time, you should only have to visit the surgery once a month to collect your repeat medicines. It will also reduce the likelihood of needing to make an emergency request if you run out of medicine.
Does it cost patients more?
The vast majority of patients collecting repeat prescriptions do not pay prescription charges; therefore there will be no difference to these patients in terms of cost. If you do have to pay prescription charges and you need more 4 or more prescription items in 3 months (or 13 or more prescriptions in 12 months), the best way to pay for your prescriptions would be to obtain a Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC). Apply following the link online, or ask at reception or your pharmacy if you would like more information.
- All medicines should last for the same number of days. If you are running out of some items or have too much of some medication, please tell the practice.
- Do not stockpile medicines at home; only order those items on your repeat prescription that you need. Return unwanted medication to your local pharmacy for safe disposal.
- If you have any questions about 28 day prescribing after reading this then please ask in the surgery or direct written queries to Prescribing Clerk Siam Surgery
- Should you require further advice, please contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) for confidential support or guidance, on telephone 0800 3896819 or write to PALS, Rushbrook House, Paper Mill Lane, Bramford, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP8 4DE.
