The GP Prescription Service: How We're Making Medication Access More Convenient

At Lambert Medical Practice in Surbiton, we understand that accessing your medications should be simple and convenient. That's why we've developed a streamlined prescription service designed to save you time and ensure you never run out of essential medications. This comprehensive guide explains how our efficient prescription system works and how it can benefit you.

The Importance of Efficient Prescription Services

In today's busy world, time is a precious commodity. Traditional prescription processes often involve multiple steps, phone calls, and visits to the GP surgery, creating unnecessary barriers to medication access. At Lambert Medical Practice in Surbiton, we recognize that these inefficiencies can lead to:

• Medication adherence issues when patients run out of prescriptions
• Wasted time for both patients and healthcare providers
• Unnecessary stress for patients managing chronic conditions
• Increased administrative burden on healthcare systems
• Potential gaps in treatment that could affect health outcomes

Our innovative prescription service addresses these challenges by leveraging technology and streamlined processes to make medication access simpler, faster, and more reliable for all our patients.

Our Quick Prescription Service: Efficiency at Every Step

Lambert Medical Practice in Surbiton has redesigned the traditional prescription process to eliminate unnecessary delays and complications. Here's how our efficient system works to your advantage:

Digital-First Approach

Our prescription service utilizes secure digital systems that allow for:

• Electronic Prescription Service (EPS): Prescriptions are sent directly to your chosen pharmacy electronically, eliminating paper prescriptions that can be lost or damaged
• Online Requests: Submit prescription requests 24/7 through our secure patient portal without needing to visit or call the practice
• Automated Reminders: Optional notifications when it's time to request your next repeat prescription
• Digital Record-Keeping: Comprehensive medication history accessible to our clinical team for safer prescribing decisions

This digital infrastructure forms the backbone of our efficient service, allowing for faster processing while maintaining the highest standards of accuracy and safety.

Dedicated Prescription Team

At Lambert Medical Practice in Surbiton, we have a specialized prescription team focused exclusively on managing medication requests. This dedicated approach offers several advantages:

• Staff with specialized training in prescription processing
• Consistent points of contact who understand your medication needs
• Faster turnaround times due to focused expertise
• Proactive identification and resolution of potential prescription issues
• Streamlined communication with local pharmacies

Our prescription team works closely with our GPs to ensure all prescriptions are clinically appropriate while minimizing delays in the process.

Streamlined Clinical Review

While efficiency is important, patient safety remains our top priority. We've optimized our clinical review process to be both thorough and efficient:

• GPs review prescription requests during dedicated daily sessions
• Clinical decision support systems flag potential medication interactions or concerns
• Standardized protocols for common medications to expedite safe approvals
• Priority flagging system for urgent medication needs
• Regular medication reviews to ensure ongoing prescriptions remain appropriate

This balanced approach ensures that while prescriptions are processed quickly, they're also subject to appropriate clinical oversight to protect your health and wellbeing.

The Process for Repeat Prescriptions

For patients with ongoing medication needs, our repeat prescription service at Lambert Medical Practice in Surbiton offers particular convenience. Here's a detailed look at how the process works:

Setting Up Repeat Prescriptions

Before you can use our repeat prescription service, medications need to be added to your repeat list. This typically happens:

• During a consultation when a GP prescribes a medication intended for ongoing use
• When you register with our practice and provide details of your current repeat medications
• Following a medication review where your treatment plan is updated

Once medications are on your repeat list, requesting them becomes much simpler, with no need for a GP appointment each time.

Multiple Request Methods

We offer several convenient ways to request your repeat prescriptions:

1. Online Patient Portal: Our preferred and most efficient method, allowing you to select needed medications from your repeat list at any time of day or night
2. Mobile App: Request prescriptions on the go through our practice app
3. Email: Send requests to our dedicated prescription email address
4. In-Person: Drop off your repeat prescription slip at our reception
5. By Phone: Call our prescription line during designated hours

This variety of options ensures that all patients, regardless of their technological comfort or access, can easily request their medications.

Efficient Processing Timeline

At Lambert Medical Practice in Surbiton, we've optimized our repeat prescription timeline:

• Standard requests are processed within 48 hours (excluding weekends and holidays)
• Many straightforward requests are completed within 24 hours
• Urgent requests can be expedited when medically necessary

We recommend requesting repeats when you have 7 days of medication remaining to ensure you never run out, even allowing for weekends or holidays.

Convenient Collection Options

Once your prescription is approved, you have several options for receiving your medication:

• Electronic Prescription Service (EPS): Your prescription is sent directly to your nominated pharmacy electronically
• Pharmacy Collection Service: Many local pharmacies will collect prescriptions from our practice on your behalf
• Delivery Services: Several partner pharmacies offer home delivery options, particularly valuable for elderly or mobility-impaired patients

These flexible collection options eliminate unnecessary trips to the practice and help ensure you receive your medications with minimal disruption to your daily routine.

Medication Reviews

While our repeat prescription service is designed for convenience, we also ensure appropriate clinical oversight through regular medication reviews:

• Most repeat medications require a review at least annually
• Some medications may require more frequent reviews based on clinical guidelines
• Reviews can often be conducted via telephone or video consultation for your convenience
• Our system automatically flags when reviews are due, ensuring ongoing prescribing remains safe and appropriate

These reviews are an important safety measure and also provide an opportunity to discuss how well your medications are working for you.

The Process for New Prescriptions

Not all medication needs are ongoing. At Lambert Medical Practice in Surbiton, we've also streamlined the process for new, acute prescriptions:

Consultation Options

When you need a new medication, we offer multiple consultation pathways:

• In-Person Appointments: Traditional face-to-face consultations with immediate prescription issuance when appropriate
• Telephone Consultations: Many straightforward medication needs can be addressed over the phone, saving you a trip to the practice
• Video Consultations: Visual assessment when needed, combined with the convenience of remote access
• eConsultations: Submit your symptoms through our secure online platform for non-urgent issues

This flexible approach ensures you can access new prescriptions in the way that best suits your needs and the clinical requirements of your situation.

Same-Day Processing

For new prescriptions issued during a consultation:

• Electronic prescriptions are typically sent to your pharmacy within minutes of your consultation ending
• Paper prescriptions, if required, are printed for immediate collection
• Urgent medications are flagged to the pharmacy to ensure prompt dispensing

This efficient processing means you can often collect your medication on the same day as your consultation, minimizing delays in starting necessary treatment.

Follow-Up Prescriptions

Sometimes a medication course needs to be adjusted or extended based on your response. We've simplified this process too:

• Brief follow-up consultations can often be conducted by telephone
• Our clinical system maintains comprehensive records of your previous prescriptions, allowing for quick reference and decision-making
• If a medication is working well and needs to continue long-term, we can easily add it to your repeat prescription list

This streamlined approach to follow-up prescribing ensures continuity of care without unnecessary appointments.

Patient Testimonials: Real Experiences with Our Prescription Service

At Lambert Medical Practice in Surbiton, we regularly collect feedback on our services to ensure they're meeting patient needs. Here are some real experiences from patients using our prescription service:

Sarah J., 42 - Managing Multiple Chronic Conditions

"As someone with both diabetes and hypertension, I take several medications daily. Before joining Lambert Medical Practice, managing my prescriptions was a monthly headache - calling the surgery, waiting for processing, then making a special trip to collect the prescription and take it to the pharmacy.

The online repeat prescription service has transformed this experience. I request my medications with a few clicks, and they're ready at my local pharmacy within 48 hours. I've calculated that I save about 3 hours each month - time I can now spend with my family instead of managing medical admin. The text notifications when my prescription is ready are particularly helpful."

Robert T., 68 - Technology Adoption

"I was initially hesitant about using the online system as I'm not particularly tech-savvy. The reception team at Lambert Medical Practice took the time to show me how to use the patient portal on my tablet, and I was surprised by how straightforward it is.

Now I can order my heart medication and arthritis prescriptions without leaving home, which is especially valuable during bad weather when my arthritis flares up. When I had questions about a dosage change, the prescription team called me back the same day. It's efficient but still has that personal touch."

Aisha M., 35 - Busy Working Parent

"As a single parent working full-time, finding time to manage my daughter's asthma medications used to be a challenge. The evening phone calls to the surgery after work, the rushed lunch breaks to collect prescriptions - it all added stress to an already hectic schedule.

The Lambert Medical Practice prescription service has been a game-changer for us. I can request her inhalers through the app after she's in bed, and they're delivered directly to our home by the pharmacy. The automatic reminders mean I never accidentally let her prescriptions run out. I estimate it saves me about 2 hours each month, but more importantly, it gives me peace of mind."

James W., 52 - Urgent Medication Needs

"When I developed a sudden infection requiring antibiotics, I was impressed by how quickly Lambert Medical Practice handled my prescription. After a morning telephone consultation, my prescription was sent electronically to the pharmacy near my office. I received a text when it was ready for collection, and I was able to start treatment by lunchtime.

The seamless coordination between the practice and pharmacy meant I could focus on recovering rather than navigating healthcare logistics. This efficiency is why I've stayed with the practice despite moving slightly further away."

These testimonials reflect the real-world time savings and convenience that our patients experience through our streamlined prescription service at Lambert Medical Practice in Surbiton.

How to Use Our Prescription Service: A Step-by-Step Guide

Getting started with our efficient prescription service at Lambert Medical Practice in Surbiton is straightforward. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the process:

Setting Up Online Access

To make the most of our digital prescription services:

1. Register for Online Services: Visit our reception with photo ID to register for our patient portal
2. Download Our App: Available for both iOS and Android devices
3. Set Up Your Account: Create your secure login using the details provided by reception
4. Nominate Your Preferred Pharmacy: Select where you'd like your electronic prescriptions to be sent

Our reception team is available to help with setup if you encounter any difficulties, and we offer regular digital support sessions for patients who would like additional assistance.

Requesting Repeat Prescriptions Online

Once you're set up, requesting repeat prescriptions is simple:

1. Log in to the patient portal or app
2. Navigate to the "Prescriptions" or "Medication" section
3. View your list of repeat medications
4. Select the items you need to reorder
5. Add any notes for the prescriber if needed (e.g., "running low on this medication")
6. Submit your request
7. You'll receive confirmation that your request has been received

The system will show your medication history, including when items were last issued, helping you keep track of your prescriptions.

Alternative Request Methods

If you prefer not to use online services, you can still benefit from our efficient prescription processing:

By Email:

1. Send your request to our dedicated prescription email: prescriptions@lambertmedicalpractice.co.uk
2. Include your full name, date of birth, and the medications you need
3. You'll receive an email confirmation when your request is processed

By Phone:

1. Call our prescription line on 0208 133 5694 between 10am-12pm and 2pm-4pm
2. Have your medication details ready when you call
3. Our prescription team will confirm your request

In Person:

1. Complete a repeat prescription request form at reception
2. Alternatively, drop off the tear-off portion of your previous prescription
3. You'll receive a collection slip with the processing timeframe

Tracking Your Prescription

We've implemented several ways for you to track your prescription status:

• Online Status Updates: Check the progress of your prescription through the patient portal
• Text Notifications: Opt in to receive SMS alerts when your prescription is ready
• Email Updates: Automatic notifications at key stages of processing
• Pharmacy Integration: Many local pharmacies will notify you when your medication is ready for collection

This transparency eliminates uncertainty and helps you plan medication collection at your convenience.

Managing Medication Reviews

To ensure continued access to your repeat prescriptions:

• Watch for notifications about upcoming medication reviews in your patient portal
• Book your review appointment when prompted (telephone, video, or in-person options available)
• Prepare for your review by noting any concerns or side effects you've experienced
• After your review, your repeat medications will be updated and authorized for another period

These reviews are an important safety measure and provide an opportunity to optimize your treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our patients at Lambert Medical Practice in Surbiton often have questions about our prescription service. Here are answers to the most common queries:

General Prescription Questions

How long does it take to process a repeat prescription?

Standard processing time is 48 hours (excluding weekends and holidays). Many straightforward requests are completed within 24 hours.

Can I request prescriptions outside of practice hours?

Yes, online and email requests can be submitted 24/7. They'll be processed during the next working day.

Is there a charge for the prescription service?

Our prescription processing service is free. Standard NHS prescription charges apply when collecting your medication unless you're exempt.

What if I need an urgent prescription?

Call our reception team and explain the urgency. We have protocols for expediting truly urgent prescriptions.

Online Prescription Service

Is the online system secure?

Yes, our patient portal uses NHS-approved security standards to protect your personal and medical information.

Can I request prescriptions for family members?

Parents can access prescription services for children under 16. For adult family members, proxy access can be arranged with appropriate consent.

What if I forget my login details?

Contact our reception team who can help reset your password or username.

Medication Collection

Can someone collect my prescription on my behalf?

Yes, but they may need to show ID and confirm your details for security purposes.

How do I change my nominated pharmacy?

You can update your nominated pharmacy through the patient portal or by contacting our reception team.

Do all pharmacies offer delivery services?

Many local pharmacies offer delivery, particularly for patients with mobility issues or chronic conditions. Ask your preferred pharmacy about their delivery options.

Special Circumstances

What if I'm going on holiday and need extra medication?

Contact us in advance, and we can usually arrange an advance supply. For extended travel, special arrangements may be needed.

Can controlled drugs be prescribed through the repeat service?

Yes, but additional restrictions apply. These prescriptions often require more frequent reviews and have stricter quantity limits.

What if I have difficulty using technology?

We maintain multiple access routes to our prescription service. Our reception team can help identify the most suitable option for your circumstances.