Sedlescombe and Westfield

	HOW DO I....
	Obtain A Repeat Prescription?

Those patients on regular medicines may get them without seeing a doctor every time. You should agree with the doctor how often you need checkups - some may be done by our nurses. Your drugs will go on a computerised list that will be printed for you. Please mark what you require and leave the slip at the surgery at least 48 working hours before you need them. If you wish, you could fax or mail the slip to the appropriate surgery. For most patients, they would be able to pick up their medications after two working days. For those non-dispensing patients, the prescription would be prepared for you to pick up after two working days, and we will send the signed prescription back to you if you enclose a stamped self-addressed envelope, if appropriate. NB: Our dispensers do not work at weekends.
Requests for repeat medications will not be taken over the telephone.

Dispensing

We are very proud to be a dispensing practice. This means that if the doctor feels that your condition needs medication, he or she will prescribe it to you and the medication will be issued to you at the surgery’s dispensary within minutes of seeing the doctor. This will save you from having to travel long distances to find a pharmacist to fill in your prescription. Due to government legislation, we will not normally be able to dispense medication to a small minority of patients who live within a mile of a pharmacist. Instead, they would be given a prescription to take the pharmacist for their medication.
If you are exempt from prescription charges please have evidence of exemption available each time you collect medication. Cheques must be accompanied by a cheque guarantee card; we regret that we are unable to accept credit or debit cards.
If you are regularly taking two or more medications, you may find it beneficial to purchase a pre-payment certificate: please ask at the dispensary.

	HOW DO I....
	Obtain A Sick Certificate?

You can self-certify the first seven working days of any illness and your employer is legally obliged to accept this and not to demand a doctor’s note (ask for an SC1). If you think you will need a longer time off work, please make a routine appointment with a doctor. If you are having hospital treatment, a sick note can be issued on the basis of a hospital report and you do not have to see a GP as well. Just let the receptionist know and they will arrange for you to pick it up later.