NHS Prescriptions
We safely dispense thousands of medicines each week for our patients. Learn more about NHS Prescriptions, how to order and join our pharmacy community today.
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Order your prescriptions with us
*One working day is a target for dispensing the majority of our prescriptions which we continually strive to achieve. This may invariably be longer due to prescription complexity, supply issues, specialist drugs, staffing and operational pressures.
Electronic Repeat Dispensing is even Easier…
Save time with Electronic Repeat Dispensing. If you are on certain regular medication, your GP can send us a series of prescriptions at once, so you never have to worry about ordering from the surgery.
How do we prepare your medicines?
We’ve mastered the art of assembling your prescriptions quickly and safely. Find out how we do this below.
1. Clinical Check
Once we’ve received your prescription, our Pharmacists, supported by AI-powered tools, clinically check medication prescribed to ensure it’s safe and appropriate – checking the indication, dose, quantity, duration of treatment, and any interactions and contraindications – to ensure it’s safe for you.
2. Ordering & Dispensing
We hold hundreds of medicines in stock, and work with over 10 regular suppliers to ensure we can obtain other lines quickly & efficiently. We dispense, label and prepare medicines in the correct quantity and form, including reconstitution if needed.
3. Prescription Check
Your safety is our priority. Every dispensed prescription is checked by our highly trained team. We use advanced barcode-scanning technology to verify medications issued, ensuring the highest standards of accuracy before your medicines reach you.
4. Ready for you
Once your prescription is prepared, we will send you a text notification. You can choose to collect from our pharmacy counter, use our secure 24/7 collection point in Morpeth, or take advantage of our free prescription delivery available from all our branches.
NHS Prescription Charges & Exemptions
The current NHS Prescription Charge is…
per prescription item. Price correct at 11 January 2026. Some drugs which contain two or more active ingredients (such as HRT medicines) may incur additional charges; one charge per drug.
Supporting the NHS
It is important to note that prescription charges are not kept by the pharmacy; they are collected on behalf of the NHS as a contribution toward the cost of your care. Our pharmacy is only paid a fixed dispensing fee and a nationally set price for the medication we provide.
Who pays the prescription charge?
Most adults in England aged 18 to 59 pay the standard prescription charge, but many people are eligible for free prescriptions based on their age, income, or specific medical conditions. If you are not exempt but require regular medication, you can significantly reduce your costs by using a Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC). To see if you qualify for free prescriptions or to learn how a PPC can save you money, please refer to our Exemptions and Prepayment sections.
Who is exempt from paying for NHS Prescriptions?
You may be entitled to free NHS prescriptions if any of the following apply to you:
- Age: You are under 16 or aged 60 and over.
- Education: You are aged 16, 17, or 18 and in full-time education.
- Maternity/Medical: You have a valid Maternity Exemption Certificate or a Medical Exemption Certificate (for specific long-term conditions).
- Income Support: You receive certain benefits, such as Income Support, JSA, Universal Credit (depending on your take-home pay), or Pension Credit.
- HC2 Certificate: these certificates are issued to people who qualify for full help with health costs through the NHS Low Income Scheme.
- War Pension: You have a valid War Pension exemption certificate and the prescription is for your accepted disability.
Please Note: Eligibility criteria for NHS exemptions can change. To ensure you have the most accurate information and to check your specific eligibility, please visit the NHSBSA (NHS Business Services Authority) website before claiming an exemption.
Save money on prescription costs with a prepayment certificate
If you are not eligible for free prescriptions but need more than one item per month regularly, a prescription prepayment certificate (PPC) is often the cheapest option. It covers all your NHS prescriptions for a set price:
- 3-month PPC: Great for short-term multiple treatments.
- 12-month PPC: The most cost-effective “season ticket” for regular medication.
For more information and to purchase a certificate, visit the NHS BSA website.
HRT Prepayment Certificate
Patients prescribed eligible Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) medicines may benefit from a dedicated HRT PPC. This certificate covers an unlimited number of eligible HRT items for a full year. If you also take other non-HRT medications regularly, you may find that a standard twelve-month PPC provides more comprehensive value, as the HRT-specific certificate is limited to a defined list of treatments. Find out more on the NHS BSA website.
Get your prescriptions without the hassle
Discover a more flexible way to manage your health. As a leading provider of pharmacy services in the North East, we offer a comprehensive range of collection and delivery solutions tailored to your schedule. Visit the links below and register with us today to experience a seamless prescription service.
Why choose us?
Caring about the environment
We believe in providing healthcare that protects our planet. Our pharmacies use paperless prescription technology, medicine recycling programs, and electric delivery solutions to provide a cleaner, more sustainable service for the North East.
A range of Health & Clinical Services
Our pharmacy serves as a comprehensive health hub for the community. Access expert medical advice and treatments, alongside a wide variety of clinical services and vaccinations. View our range of services here.
Local & Independent
We’re locally-owned, fiercely independent and support our teams and communities every day. Support your friendly, independent pharmacies in Northumberland and join us today.
Get the most from your medicines
Our clinical team is dedicated to supporting your ongoing health and treatment journey. Our expert pharmacists provide personalised guidance and professional care for a wide range of medical needs. Discover how our comprehensive services can support your wellbeing below.
Track your prescriptions & more with the NHS App
The NHS App provides a secure and convenient way to access your healthcare services directly from your smartphone. By nominating our pharmacy within the app, you can streamline your prescription journey and stay informed about your medication status in real-time.
Frequently Asked Questions.
It typically takes two working days for your GP to approve a request and an additional day for our team to clinically check and prepare your medication – so three days in total. We recommend ordering your repeat prescriptions at least seven days before you run out to ensure continuous supply.
If you need your medicines quicker – just get in touch! We can usually prepare same-day when needed, but advance notice is hugely appreciated.
If you have registered for our notification service, we will send a secure text message as soon as your prescription has been prepared. Users of the NHS App can also track the real-time status of their request directly within the app.
Yes, you may collect medication for a family member or friend, provided you can confirm their name, address, and whether they pay for their prescriptions. You may also be required to provide evidence of their exemption status.
The majority of our pharmacies open on Saturdays for your convenience. Discover our locations and opening times on our locations page.
If you require an urgent supply of your regular medication outside of your GP’s opening hours, please contact us directly or call NHS 111 for clinical guidance.
You can update your nomination instantly by completing our online form, on the NHS App or by contacting our team. Once updated, your GP will automatically send your electronic prescriptions to your chosen branch.
