28 Day Prescribing

NHS Cambridgeshire and Peterborough still recommends a 28-day interval as a standard treatment length for repeat prescriptions as this provides the best possible balance between patient convenience, good medical practice, and minimal drug wastage. This includes any controlled drugs (including oral and patches).

The possible waste generated by prescriptions that are greater than 28-day intervals is very much against the principal of safeguarding NHS resources. This is in line with national Department of Health guidance and applies to all prescribing within the ICS.

The NHS Cambridgeshire and Peterborough 28-day policy was introduced to focus on:

• improved patient safety
• reducing medication wastage, particularly from stockpiled medicines or when medicines are stopped/changed
• better co-ordination of treatment
• supporting regular medication review and convenience
• maintaining medication supplies at times of shortage

When collecting your prescription from the Pharmacist, confirm the items you’re collecting before you make payment. The Practice does not issue refunds for medications.

Patients on repeat medication will be asked to see a doctor, advanced clinical practitioner or practice nurse to review these regular medications and notification should appear on your repeat slip.

Please ensure that you book an appropriate appointment to avoid unnecessary delays to further prescriptions.