Prescriptions

Repeat prescriptions

When to order repeat prescriptions

You should order repeat prescriptions about one week before you are due to run out. This leaves enough time for us to issue it and for the pharmacy to dispense it. 

We may query or decline to issue your prescription if you request it more than 1 week in advance. If there is a reason for requesting early, please state this in your request.

We will text you if there are any issues with your prescription request.

How to order repeat prescriptions

You don’t need an appointment each time you order a repeat prescription, but you will have a review date. 

If you can't use the NHS app to order your repeat prescription, you can do any of the following:

• Email syicb-sheffield.universityhealthservice@nhs.net with the following information:
  • Your name and date of birth
  • Full details of the name, strength and dose of the medication you’re requesting
  • Full address of the pharmacy you want to collect the medication from
• Order via your nominated pharmacy.
• Order via other online services providers. You must request log-in details from us first.

We do not accept routine prescription requests over the phone.

If you’re a new patient and don’t have an NHS number yet

You’ll need to email us to order your prescriptions as described above.

Do this until you can get access to the NHS app or other online access/app providers.

Acute (one-off) prescriptions

​Acute prescriptions are medications a clinician has not added to your repeat list. They are often short courses of treatment, or new medications you have started. You must have another appointment before you can get more, to check it's is helping as it should.

Don't submit online requests for repeat prescriptions - order via NHS app instead. The NHS app 'Request repeat prescriptions' section states all your repeat medications.

Urgent prescriptions

Try to request prescriptions in advance to avoid submitting urgent prescription requests.

If you do need an urgent prescription:

• BEFORE midday (12pm) - submit an online request, or phone reception on +44 114 222 2100
• AFTER midday (12pm) - phone reception on +44 114 222 2100

Contraceptive pills

Lots of pharmacies can issue a first pill or a repeat contraceptive pill supply. You can access this service without needing to contact UHS first. Check Which Pharmacies offer the contraceptive pill contact them yourself. 

Some pharmacies also offer a remote service if you prefer to get contraception this way. The closest remote service to UHS is Welfare Pharmacy online contraception service.

If needed, you can get an emergency supply of contraceptive pills by phoning NHS 111. They will direct you to a suitable pharmacy. You can also use the 'Which Pharmacies offer the contraceptive pill' link above.

Visit Contraception for more information.

Collecting prescriptions

Electronic prescription service 

We send electronic prescriptions to your pharmacy of choice. This is your nominated pharmacy. You don’t need to attend UHS to collect your paper prescription. You can collect your medication from your nominated pharmacy. It’s your responsibility to keep your nominated pharmacy up to date. 

You can nominate or change a nominated pharmacy via:

1. NHS app. You can sign up for this yourself via the app store. See How to choose a nominated pharmacy to do this
2. Other online services providers
3. Email syicb-sheffield.universityhealthservice@nhs.net

Prescription charges

Most adults in England have to pay prescription charges, but some items are always free. Free prescriptions include contraceptive items and medications for hospital inpatients.

Visit NHS prescription charges for information on how to save money on prescriptions.

Help with NHS costs

Some students may be eligible to get help with NHS costs through the NHS Low Income Scheme (LIS). This covers:

• prescription costs
• dental costs
• eyecare costs
• healthcare travel costs
• wigs and fabric supports

You will need to complete and submit an HC1 form which is for people on low incomes. You can fill it in online or print off a copy and post it to the address on the form. Do not return your form to UHS.

The NHS Business Services team will then make a decision on your eligibility.

You can request a refund if you have paid for prescriptions in the last three months and are eligible. You will need to provide payment receipts to receive refunds.

You can apply for University support if unforeseen costs have caused financial difficulties.

University Financial support (student login required)

Medication reviews

If you are on any repeat prescriptions you need regular reviews with a clinician. This is to make sure the medication is still suitable for you.

Frequency of reviews depends on various factors including the type of medication. The clinician will tell you how often you need a review. Make a note of this and arrange review appointments in advance.

Reviews may be with a GP, nurse, pharmacist or other healthcare worker. Who you see depends on your personal circumstances.

We may decline prescription requests if you don't attend reviews when instructed.

Medication queries

If you have a question related to a medication you are taking, you should submit an online request.

Make sure to include:

• Full details of the name, strength and dose of the medication
• The specific question(s) you have

Our team will review your request and get back to you asap.

Specialist medication

Prescribing clinicians have a regulatory and professional obligation for competent and safe prescribing. They must prescribe in line with guidelines set by the NHS and other professional bodies.

Sometimes other healthcare providers or patients ask us to prescribe ‘specialist medication’. Only specialists can start you on these medications, but UHS may be able to take over prescribing. This can only happen once the specialist is happy you are stable on it.

UHS can only take over prescribing specialist medication via a 'Shared Care' agreement. This is a written document produced by your specialist which:

• explains the responsibilities for the monitoring
• explains any other prescribing requirements associated with the medication
• clarifies the roles, responsibilities and liabilities associated with prescribing the medication
• safeguards patients and clinical staff

Your specialist doctor will send UHS a 'Shared Care' request. We cannot set up your shared care without a satisfactory letter from your specialist. UHS will then review this and contact you to arrange an appointment to begin prescribing. You should contact your specialist if you have any questions before we contact you.

Please note that we are not obliged to enter into shared care agreements.

Visit ADHD for further information about shared care specific to this.

Medication and going abroad

Medication supply

We can prescribe up to 3 months worth of repeat medication to patients travelling abroad. You should seek further prescriptions from a clinician in the country you are in when you run out. This is the case even if you return to the UK every now and then.

We can only supply up to 1 month worth of controlled drugs as they are subject to strict rules.

Taking medication abroad

You may need a letter stating your repeat prescriptions when travelling abroad. Check NHS information about taking medication abroad.

You should contact UHS in good time before you leave if you need a letter. There may be a charge for this.

You can see your repeat prescriptions via the NHS app. You can also see them on the white right-hand side of paper prescriptions.

Sedative prescribing for fear of flying

UHS does not prescribe sedatives for fear of flying. Our GP Principles made this decision, and all UHS prescribers adhere to it. Our Travel Health web page explains the reasons for this.