Prescriptions
Information about ordering and collecting prescriptions, raising medication queries, what local pharmacies can help with, and medication when going abroad.
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.
If you order repeat prescriptions more than one week in advance we may decline to issue the prescription if it is too early and/or query with you the reason for the early order. If you are ordering early we would recommend you include a reason when requesting.
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.
You should order your repeat prescription via the NHS app. It's the quickest and easiest way. You can sign up for this yourself via the app store. Visit How to request a repeat prescription for instructions how to do this.
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
These are prescriptions that the clinician has decided not to add to your repeat list of regular medication (e.g. short course of treatment or when a new medication has been started and you need another appointment to review whether it is helping).
You should expect to have an appointment with a clinician before acute prescriptions are issued.
If you’ve been prescribed one-off medication and you wish to order another prescription, complete the 'Request a Prescription' questionnaire in Anima or call reception on +44 114 222 2100.
Anima should not be used to request repeat prescriptions. If you are not sure if your medication is on your repeat prescription list you can check on the NHS app in the 'Request repeat prescriptions' section of the NHS app.
Urgent prescriptions
Always try to order prescriptions far enough in advance so that an urgent prescription request is not needed.
If you do need an urgent prescription you should complete the 'Request a Prescription' questionnaire in Anima.
If Anima is closed and your prescription can't wait until it next re-opens, call reception on +44 114 222 2100.
Contraceptive pills
Lots of pharmacies can now issue a first pill or a repeat contraceptive pill supply following a consultation at the pharmacy instead of needing an appointment at UHS.
Check Which Pharmacies offer the contraceptive pill and go directly to them at a time that suits you. Some pharmacies now also offer a remote service (e.g. Welfare Pharmacy online contraception service) if you prefer to get contraception this way.
If you have run out of contraceptive pills, call NHS 111 and they will direct you to a pharmacy for an emergency supply. 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 prescriptions electronically 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 directly 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:
- NHS app. You can sign up for this yourself via the app store.
- See How to choose a nominated pharmacy to do this
- Other online services providers
- Email syicb-sheffield.universityhealthservice@nhs.net
Prescription charges
Most adults in England have to pay prescription charges, but some items are always free (including contraceptives).
Go to NHS prescription charges for more information and how to save money on regular 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. Payment receipts will be required.
If you are facing financial difficulties due to unforeseen costs, you can apply for financial support from the 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. We will advise you as to the frequency of reviews needed.
In your appointment with the clinician you should make a note of the review date and organise a review appointment in advance.
The reviews may be with a GP, nurse, pharmacist or other healthcare worker depending on your personal circumstances.
Requests for further medication may be declined if you don’t attend a review when instructed to do so.
Medication queries
If you have a question related to a medication you are taking, you should complete the 'Medication Query' questionnaire in Anima. 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 to prescribe safely. This means they must prescribe within their competency levels and in line with the guidelines set out by the NHS and other professional bodies.
Sometimes other healthcare providers or patients ask us to prescribe ‘specialist medication’. These are medications which can only be started by a specialist (not by University Health Service staff), but in some circumstances it may be appropriate for us to take over the prescribing once you have been stabilised on the medication by your specialist.
When there is a ‘Shared Care’ agreement in place we are able to prescribe ‘specialist medications’. These agreements are written documents produced by the specialist which:
- explains the responsibilities for the monitoring
- explains any other requirements associated with the medication being prescribed
- clarifies the roles, responsibilities and liabilities associated with prescribing the medication
- safeguards patients and clinical staff
We will not prescribe specialist medication unless we have an appropriate ‘Shared Care’ agreement in place with your specialist doctor. Your specialist doctor will send a 'Shared Care' request for our consideration. Once processed we will contact you to arrange an appointment so we can begin prescribing under the agreement.
We can only begin the process of setting up shared care once we have received a satisfactory request letter from your specialist doctor. If you have any questions before we contact you about shared care, please contact your specialist doctor.
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
The maximum amount of a regular prescription we are able to issue a patient travelling abroad is three months. Further prescriptions should be sought from a clinician in the country you are staying in. This is the case even if you return to the UK periodically. Controlled drugs are subject to strict rules so a one month supply is the usual maximum we can supply.
Taking medication abroad
Sometimes you need a letter detailing repeat prescriptions you are on when travelling abroad.
NHS information about taking medication abroad.
If a letter is required you need to contact UHS in good time before you leave. There may be a charge for this.
You can see your repeat prescriptions via the NHS app, or on the white right-hand side of paper prescriptions.
Sedative prescribing for fear of flying
UHS does not prescribe sedatives for fear of flying. This policy decision has been made by our GP Principles and is adhered to by all prescribers working in the practice. The reasons for this can be found on our Travel Health web page.
