Prescriptions

Ordering repeat prescriptions

The easiest ways to order repeat prescriptions are:

• using your NHS account (through the NHS website or in the NHS App)
• using the GP online system: SystmOnline
• put your prescription request in the prescription post box onsite

Collecting your prescription

You will need to choose a pharmacy to collect your prescription from. We call this nominating a pharmacy.

You can change your nominated pharmacy at any time:

• on the app or website where you order repeat prescriptions
• at any pharmacy that accepts repeat prescriptions

Prescribing policy for patients travelling abroad

This policy outlines the procedure for patients travelling abroad for short and long periods of time.

NHS policy

By law, the NHS ceases to have responsibility for the medical care of patients when they leave the UK. In addition GPs are not required by their terms of service to provide prescriptions for the treatment of a condition that is not present and may arise while the patient is abroad.

The NHS does accept responsibility for supplying ongoing medication for temporary periods abroad of up to 3 months. However, if a person is going to be abroad for more than 3 months, then they are only entitled (at NHS expense) to a sufficient supply of regular medication in order to get to their destination, where they should the find an alternative supply of that medication.

Patients residing abroad for a period of more than 3 months should be removed from the registered patient list.

Shelley Manor and Holdenhurst Medical Centre practice policy

Travelling out of the country for less than 3 months

For patients who inform us they will be out of the country for less than 3 months, we will provide sufficient medicines for an existing condition (e.g. asthma, diabetes…) for the period while the patient is away where it is safe to do so. Drugs that require frequent monitoring may not be prescribed where there are safety concerns. 1 months supply only will be issued for drugs normally available over the counter.

Travelling out of the country for more than 3 months

Patients who inform the NHS they will be leaving the country for more than 3 months will be prescribed sufficient medication to enable them to make alternative arrangements at their destination (up to 3 months supply where safe to do so).

They will also be removed from our patient list. We will be pleased to re-register patients on their return to residence in the UK and can reassure patient that their electronic notes are kept on file for reference on your return.

Patients and relatives should not seek medication for themselves while they are abroad as this constitutes NHS fraud.

Prescriptions for medicines in case of illness while abroad

GPs may provide private prescriptions if it is clinically appropriate and they can be self-administered safely without medical assessment while abroad. These prescriptions are not free and it is at the discretion of the doctor as to whether they undertake this private work.

Patients should be aware that some drugs commonly prescribed in the UK may be illegal in certain countries and you should check with that countries embassy before you travel.

See NHS facts of travel abroad

• Take medicine in or out of the UK

Prescribing Diazepam and fear of flying policy

PRESCRIBING DIAZEPAM AND FEAR OF FLYING POLICY

Bournemouth East Collaborative Primary Care Network (Shelly Manor and Holdenhurst Medical Centre, Beaufort Road Surgery, Southbourne Surgery and Littledown Surgery) does not issue sedatives such as diazepam for fear of flying. This policy decision has been made by the GP Partners and is adhered to by all prescribers working in the practice.

We appreciate that fear of flying is very real and very frightening. One way to tackle this is to attend a Fear of Flying course run by the airlines and we have listed a number of these below:

• EasyJet – 0203 813 1644 – https://www.fearlessflyer.easyjet.com/
• British Airways – https://www.britishairways.com/content/information/travel-assistance/flying-with-confidence
• Virgin Airways – https://www.virginatlantic.com/inspiration/your-journey-with-us/flying-without-fear

Alternatively, if you still feel you wish to have this medication prescribed then you would need to see a doctor with Aviation training. These are usually private.

Why Diazepam is not recommended:

1. Diazepam is a sedative, which means it makes you sleepy, more relaxed and can significantly delay your reaction times. If there is an emergency during the flight it may impair your ability to concentrate, follow instructions and react to the situation. This could have serious safety consequences for you and those around you.
2. Sedative drugs can make you fall asleep, however when you do sleep it is an unnatural (non-REM) sleep. This means you won’t move around as much as during natural sleep. This can cause you to be at increased risk of developing a blood clot (DVT) in the leg or even the lung. Blood clots are very dangerous and can even prove fatal. This risk is even greater if your flight is greater than four hours.
3. Whilst most people find sedative medications like diazepam have a relaxing effect, a small number of people can feel more agitated or even aggressive after taking it. Diazepam can also cause disinhibition and lead you to behave in a way that you would not normally. This could impact on your safety as well as that of other passengers and could also get you into trouble with the law.
4. Benzodiazepines are not licensed for use in phobias. They are potentially very addictive, and dependence can form quickly.
5. Diazepam and similar drugs are illegal in several countries. They may be confiscated, or you may find yourself in trouble with the police if you are carrying any on arrival.

Please also note that following the same advice above we are not encouraging the use of diazepam for dental appointments, hospital scans or other procedures.

Written by	Stuart Robinson (Lead Clinical Pharmacist for the PCN)
Date Approved by Bournemouth East Primary Care Network prescribing leads. Practices: Shelley Manor and Holdenhurst Road Surgery, Beaufort Road Surgery, Southbourne Surgery, Littledown Surgery	14/12/2023
Reviewed	05/06/2025 – No change to policy
Reviewed	21/05/2026 – No change to policy – links updated to fear of flying courses

Questions about your prescription

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

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.

Prescription charges

Find out more about prescription charges.

What to do with old medicines

Take it to the pharmacy you got it from. 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.

• Find a pharmacy

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

Most pharmacies have a private room where you can discuss issues with pharmacy staff.