Fast Access to the Medications You Need
Waiting weeks for an NHS prescription is frustrating and impractical when you need treatment now. Whether you need an antibiotic for an infection, a repeat prescription for a chronic condition, or access to specialist medications not readily available on the NHS, private prescriptions offer the flexibility and speed you deserve.
At Lambert Medical Practice in Surbiton, our GPs issue private prescriptions the same day after a thorough consultation. You can take your prescription to any pharmacy in the UK — you're not locked into one supplier. We offer competitive pricing and transparent fees with no hidden charges.
What Is a Private Prescription?
A private prescription is a prescription issued by a private doctor (rather than an NHS doctor) for medication that you purchase directly from a pharmacy at your own cost. Unlike NHS prescriptions, which are dispensed for a standard charge (currently £11.90 in England), private prescriptions require you to pay the full pharmacy price for the medication.
Key Differences Between NHS and Private Prescriptions
| Feature |
NHS Prescription |
Private Prescription |
| Issued by |
NHS GP or hospital doctor |
Private doctor/clinic |
| Cost |
Fixed charge per prescription (£11.90 in England) |
Full medication cost at pharmacy |
| Waiting time |
Can take weeks to see GP; then pharmacy dispensing time |
Same-day consultation and prescription possible |
| Pharmacy choice |
Can use any NHS pharmacy |
Can use any UK pharmacy |
| Access to non-NHS meds |
Limited to NHS formulary |
Access to medications outside the formulary |
Why Choose a Private Prescription?
Private prescriptions offer several advantages:
- No waiting: See a GP and receive your prescription the same day, often within hours.
- Immediate treatment: Start your medication today rather than waiting weeks for an NHS appointment.
- Access to specialist medications: Many effective treatments are not available on the NHS formulary. Private prescriptions give you access to weight loss medications (Mounjaro, Wegovy), specialist antibiotics, newer treatments, and medications commonly prescribed abroad.
- Contraception and hormone therapy: Private prescriptions offer quick access to contraceptives, HRT medications, and testosterone therapy without NHS restrictions or waiting lists.
- Repeat prescriptions: Flexible repeat prescription management without needing to request from your NHS practice each time.
- Bespoke treatment: Medications tailored to your specific needs, not just what's on the NHS formulary.
Common Private Prescriptions We Issue
Our GPs regularly prescribe a wide range of medications:
Antibiotics & Antivirals
- Broad-spectrum antibiotics for respiratory infections, UTIs, skin infections
- Antivirals (aciclovir for herpes, oseltamivir for flu exposure prophylaxis)
Antifungals
- Topical antifungals (creams, powders for fungal skin and nail infections)
- Systemic antifungals (terbinafine, fluconazole for stubborn infections)
Contraception
- Combined oral contraceptives (the pill) in various formulations
- Progestogen-only pills, patches, injections
- Emergency contraception (levonorgestrel)
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
- Oestrogen-only HRT for post-menopausal women
- Combined oestrogen-progestogen HRT
- Testosterone replacement therapy for men
Weight Loss Medications
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — GLP-1/GIP agonist for significant weight loss
- Wegovy (semaglutide) — GLP-1 agonist for weight management
- Orlistat — lipase inhibitor for long-term weight management
Allergy & Hayfever Medications
- Non-drowsy antihistamines (cetirizine, fexofenadine)
- Nasal corticosteroid sprays
- Leukotriene antagonists (montelukast)
Sleep & Mental Health
- Sleeping aids (zopiclone, melatonin) for short-term insomnia
- Anxiety and depression medications (SSRIs, SNRIs)
Travel Medications
- Malaria prophylaxis (atovaquone-proguanil, mefloquine, doxycycline)
- Anti-diarrhoeal and nausea medications for travel
- Altitude sickness prevention (acetazolamide)
Vitamin Supplements
- B12 injections and high-dose supplements
- Vitamin D, iron, and multivitamins
Private Prescription Pricing
- Private prescription fee: £23 per prescription
- GP consultation (if required): £65.98 — a consultation is needed for new medications or if the GP needs to review your case
- Pharmacy dispensing: Varies by medication; ask the pharmacy for a quote before paying
Please note: Many patients will need both a prescription (
£23) and a GP appointment (
£65.98). If you already have an existing prescription from another provider, a GP review appointment may not be needed — call us on
0208 133 5694 to discuss your situation before booking.
How It Works — The Simple Process
Step 1: Book Your Consultation
Book a same-day or next-day appointment online at https://booking.lambertsportsclinic.co.uk/booking or call us on 0208 133 5694. Tell us what medication you need in the appointment notes.
Step 2: GP Review
During your consultation, the GP will review your medical history, current medications, and the reason for your prescription request. For new medications, a full assessment ensures the drug is safe and appropriate for you. For repeat prescriptions, a brief check-in usually suffices.
Step 3: Prescription Issued
If appropriate, the GP issues your private prescription. You can collect it immediately from reception or have it emailed to you.
Step 4: Collect from Any Pharmacy
Take your prescription to any pharmacy in the UK — Boots, Lloyds, Rowlands, or an independent local pharmacy. Pay the pharmacy directly for the medication. Prices vary by pharmacy and medication.
Frequently Asked Questions About Private Prescriptions
Yes, for new medications, a private GP consultation is required by law. The GP must assess your suitability for the medication, review your medical history and current drugs to check for interactions, and ensure there are no contraindications. For repeat prescriptions that have been recently reviewed (within the last 12 months), some GPs may offer a shorter check-in appointment at a lower cost.
Yes, repeat prescriptions are available for medications that have been previously prescribed and reviewed by one of our GPs. However, you'll need periodic review appointments (usually annually or as the GP recommends) to ensure the medication continues to be appropriate. Repeat prescription fees are usually lower than initial consultation fees, starting from £35.
The pharmacy sets the price for private prescriptions. Costs vary widely depending on the medication and pharmacy. Typically, you'll pay a dispensing fee (usually £8–15) plus the cost of the drug itself. For example, a common antibiotic might cost £15–25 total, whilst specialist weight loss medications can be significantly more. Always ask the pharmacy for a price before you pay. Shopping around or requesting a generic alternative can save money.
No, as a private clinic, Lambert Medical Practice only issues private prescriptions. If you need an NHS prescription, you must be registered with an NHS GP practice. However, we can provide detailed medical reports, letters, and clinical assessments that your NHS GP can use to support their own prescribing decisions.
Yes, we prescribe weight loss injections such as Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) for eligible patients. You'll need an initial comprehensive assessment including blood tests, BMI measurement, and medical review. Once approved, you can receive prescriptions for ongoing treatment with regular monthly reviews to monitor progress and side effects. This ensures safe, medically supervised weight loss.