When you request a prescription, here’s what happens:

• Requesting a Repeat Prescription: You can do this through your GP practice’s online system, an app (such as NHS App), or by contacting reception.
• Processing Time: Prescriptions take around 48 hours to be reviewed. If medication needs adjustments, a GP may contact you before approving it.
• Collection: Your prescription will be sent electronically to your nominated pharmacy. Some pharmacies offer text notifications when it’s ready.

❗ Common Delays: Medication shortages, missing review dates, or incorrect pharmacy settings may cause delays. Speak to your pharmacy or GP practice for support.

Not every concern requires a GP appointment! Here’s a quick guide on who to book with:

• GP Appointment: Long-term health conditions, medication reviews, persistent symptoms requiring assessment.
• Practice Nurse: Vaccinations, wound care, asthma & diabetes checks, cervical screenings, and general health advice.
• Clinical Pharmacist: Medication advice, repeat prescriptions, medication interactions, minor ailments.
• Physiotherapist: Musculoskeletal issues, sports injuries, joint pain.
• Mental Health Practitioner: Anxiety, depression, stress, emotional wellbeing.

📝 Tip: Many practices now offer ‘triage’ services where receptionists guide you to the right clinician based on your symptoms.

• Booking a Test: Your GP or nurse may request blood work to help diagnose or monitor a condition.
• How Long for Results? Most results are available within 5-7 days. Complex tests can take longer.
• Receiving Results**: Many practices use online portals to share results. You may also get a call or text if further action is needed.

❗ If You Haven’t Heard Back: Check with reception or look online if your practice offers an online results service.

Understanding how GP practices operate can help patients appreciate the processes behind appointments, referrals, and prescription management.

• How Your GP Practice Prioritises Care: Learn how appointments are scheduled, why some requests are urgent, and how triage systems work.
• The Role of Reception Teams: Receptionists are trained to direct patients to the right care provider—whether it’s a GP, pharmacist, or nurse.
• Why You May Not Always See a GP First: Many health concerns can be managed by pharmacists, nurses, physiotherapists, and mental health practitioners—helping free up GP time for more complex cases.

More services are available online than ever before—this section guides patients on digital tools that can improve accessibility.

• Online Appointment Booking: How to book, cancel, and reschedule appointments digitally.
• Prescription Services: Using NHS App or online GP portals to request medication.
• Accessing Health Records: What patients can see online, including blood test results and vaccination history.
• Video & Phone Consultations: When remote appointments are available and how they work.

Patients often struggle to know when to book an appointment versus when to manage symptoms at home.

• Minor Ailments Guide: Common conditions (coughs, colds, rashes, back pain) and how to manage them.
• Pharmacy First: Conditions that pharmacists can treat directly—without needing a GP visit.
• When to Seek Medical Attention: Red flag symptoms that require professional assessment.
• Mental Health Support: Resources for anxiety, depression, stress management, and local wellbeing services.

Empowering patients with knowledge about their right while encouraging responsible use of primary care services.

• Your Right to Safe & Timely Care: What to expect from GP services and how complaints are handled.
• How Patients Can Support Their Practice: Cancel appointments if they’re no longer needed, use online services where possible, and seek pharmacist support first for minor conditions.
• Confidentiality & Data Protection: How patient records are kept secure and who has access.

Encouraging patients to get involved and shape primary care services!

• Patient Participation Groups (PPGs): Join a local PPG to provide feedback and help improve services.
• Local Health Initiatives: Information about screenings, vaccination programs, and wellbeing campaigns.
• Volunteering & Support Groups: How patients can help others in the community through peer support programs.