Rutland House Surgery

56-Day Prescribing Policy — Guidance for Patients

The NHS recognises that a 56-day repeat prescribing interval can offer an appropriate balance between patient convenience, good medical practice, and reducing unnecessary requests, while still aiming to minimise medicines waste where clinically appropriate.

The British Medical Association notes that:

“Prescribing intervals should be in line with the medically appropriate needs of the patient, taking into account the need to safeguard NHS resources, patient convenience, and the dangers of excess drugs in the home.”

Benefits of 56-Day Prescribing Include:

• Improved convenience for patients, reducing the number of prescription requests and pharmacy visits required throughout the year.
• Fewer administrative delays, as prescriptions are requested and processed less frequently.
• Support for stable long‑term conditions, where medications are unlikely to change and regular supplies are appropriate.
• Improved continuity of treatment, helping patients maintain consistent access to essential medicines.
• Reduced pressure on GP and dispensary services, allowing more time to be spent on patient care.
• Cost-effectiveness for patients who pay prescription charges, as fewer prescription items may be required over time. Patients may still find it beneficial to purchase a Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC) if they take multiple medicines regularly.

How the 56-Day Cycle Will Work

To make it easier for you to obtain your medications, Rutland House Surgery will issue most repeat prescriptions on a 56-day cycle, where clinically appropriate.

Your doctor will provide you with a prescription for an interval they believe is most suitable for you, up to a maximum of 56 days, taking into account a range of clinical factors, including:

• How stable your medical condition is
• Whether your medication is long-term or temporary
• Any potential or known side effects
• The likelihood that your medication may need to change
• Any monitoring or review requirements

Exceptions

For some medicines, a 56-day supply may not be appropriate. These may include:

• “As required” medications
• Contraception
• Creams and topical preparations
• Certain inhalers
• Medicines requiring close monitoring or frequent dose adjustments

In such cases, a shorter prescribing interval will be used where necessary.

Medication Reviews and NHS Regulations

You will still be required to comply with NHS regulations regarding:

• Regular medication reviews
• Routine health checks and monitoring, where applicable

These reviews are important to ensure your medicines remain safe, effective, and appropriate.

Prescription Charges

Most patients who collect repeat prescriptions do not pay prescription charges, so there will be no change in cost for these patients.

If you do pay for your prescriptions, you may find it cost‑effective to purchase a Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC), particularly if you take three or more medicines regularly.

For more information, please ask at the dispensary or contact the NHS Business Services Authority on 0845 850 0030.