Prescriptions

Repeat prescriptions can be requested in a number of ways:

• Call 9016 4600 - option 1 and follow the instructions for our new automated service.  This new answering machine service allows patients to leave repeat medication requests, keeping the main lines available for appointment bookings, test results, emergency requests or any other queries without being tied up by medication orders. 
• Online, via the link at the top of this page
• by using the ‘repeat prescription form’ available at the reception desk.

If you are on a number of different tablets it is helpful if they are all ordered at the same time.

If an urgent prescription is required please speak to a receptionist. The doctor may need to see you patient before issuing a prescription.

Please note: When ordering your repeat prescription by phone or by the repeat prescription form it is important in order for us to process your request safely we need the following information

• Medication name
• medication strength
• Your date of birth

Without these details there is the potential for mistakes. If this poses a difficulty you may still order your medication by speaking confidentially to one of our receptionists.

72 hours notice is required for a repeat prescription.

PRE & POST TREATMENT CARE FOR PATIENTS AVAILING OF PRIVATE HEALTHCARE WITHIN THE UK

Parkside Surgery Policy

Parkside Surgery’s policy for pre and post treatment care for patients availing of private healthcare within the UK is directly in line with instruction issued by the Department of Health (DoH) on 5 December 2023:

Where a patient seeks pre and/or post treatment care specific to their private treatment, they will not be entitled to such support from primary or secondary care services in Northern Ireland. Therefore, it will be important for the individual to ensure that all pre and post treatment costs are included in the overall package of care procured from the private healthcare provider.

In line with normal practice, patients will continue to be able to access emergency care where necessary.

In circumstances where a patient is receiving care in the Independent Sector as a HSC patient, pre and post treatment care will be provided by the HSC as normal.

PRIVATE REFERRAL & FOLLOW UP

Parkside Surgery Policy

INFO FOR PATIENTS

If you see a private Consultant they may suggest further simple tests such as bloods, urine or stool tests etc., or more complex tests such as X-rays, scan or scopes depending on the problem. These should also be done within the private sector and should be factored into total costs.

If the Consultant suggests a prescription, we are often happy to do an NHS prescription, but only if it is a licensed drug used appropriately, and is in the Northern Ireland Formulary However, GPs retain the right to decline prescribing if they have significant concerns, and the Consultant is still able to prescribe by themselves privately.  Please click on the link for a full list of Amber/Red Drugs including medication for ADHD https://ipnsm.hscni.net/red-amber/

Depending on what treatment / prescription a Consultant recommends, patients should understand and be aware they may have to pay for any ongoing treatment or medications that are recommended (which the GP is not able or willing to prescribe for the reasons above).

Sufficient post-operative medication, e.g. pain relief or anticoagulation should be provided at discharge following procedures carried out by private sector providers, without needing a GP prescription.

INFO FOR THE CONSULTANT

If you wish to perform investigations including bloods etc., these should be done within the PRIVATE system and it is not acceptable practice to expect the NHS/GP to perform these and thus supplement private practice.

If a prescription is recommended for a patient then we are happy to prescribe IF this falls within normal NHS GP practice.  We would ask you to work within the same guidelines as GPs, using the NI formulary, found at: https://niformulary.hscni.net/formulary/chapter-summaries/.

Anything that lies outside the formulary, including unlicensed, red and amber list (shared care) medications should not be presumed to be suitable for NHS GP prescribing. Your prescription advice may be returned with an explanation why it is not suitable.

If you decide the patient needs onwards referral via the NHS to either yourself (on the NHS) or another Consultant, this can and should be done by the Consultant themselves, and please do not expect the GP to do this. The guidance explaining this is found at: https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/publications/dhssps/management-private-practice-handbook.pdf

This is necessary due to previous instances where problems have arisen, and is to clarify Consultant / GP responsibilities and roles, and ensure patient expectations are appropriate and correctly informed.

If you have questions about your medicine, your local pharmacists can answer these. They can also answer questions on medicines you can buy without a prescription.

The NHS website has information on how your medicine works, how and when to take it, possible side effects and answers to your common questions.

• Go to Medicines A to Z (nhs.uk)

Medication reviews

If you have a repeat prescription, we may ask you to come in for a regular review. We will be in touch when you need to come in for a review.

Take it to the pharmacy you got it from or bring it in to the surgery. Do not put it in your household bin or flush it down the toilet.

About pharmacists

As qualified healthcare professionals, pharmacists can offer advice on minor illnesses such as:

• coughs
• colds
• sore throats
• tummy trouble
• aches and pains

They can also advise on medicine that you can buy without a prescription.

Many pharmacies are open until late and at weekends. You do not need an appointment.

Most pharmacies have a private consultation room where you can discuss issues with pharmacy staff without being overheard.