Prescriptions

From 1 February 2026 patients will need to order their repeat prescriptions themselves.  If your pharmacy normally orders your prescription for you then this will no longer be possible, unless we have made an exception for you. You can use your NHS Account (via the website or app) to quickly and easily order your prescriptions. The short video below shows how to do this.

If you prefer not to use an NHS Account then you can submit your request using our online form linked at the top of the page.

Sometimes we might need to give you a medication for a long time, or even for the rest of your life. We provide this as a repeat prescription. This means you do not have to see somebody every time you need more medication. We authorise a fixed number of prescriptions you can have before we need to see you again for a review.

We ask patients on repeat medication to visit the practice at least once a year for a review. A notification should appear on your repeat slip when this is due. We may also send you an invite by text message. Please book your review appointment quickly to avoid any delays to further prescriptions.

The easiest ways to order repeat prescriptions are:

• using your NHS account (through the NHS website or in the NHS App).

You can also:

• fill out a repeat prescriptions request form.
• bring the paper form to the surgery, Monday to Friday from 8am to 6:30pm

We do not take repeat prescription requests over the phone or by email.

Please allow two full working days for us to process your prescription request. Remember to take weekends and bank holidays into account.

The NHS has an Electronic Prescription Service. This allows us to send your prescriptions direct to a pharmacy. You do not have to visit the practice to collect a paper prescription. You can choose a pharmacy where you want us to send your prescriptions.

You can choose or change your pharmacy in the following ways.

• By telephone on 0161 223 1113 during our opening times.
• By visiting the reception desk during our opening times.
• Using the NHS app.

If you have questions about your medicine, your local pharmacists can answer these. They can also answer questions on medicines you can buy without a prescription.

The NHS website has information on how your medicine works, how and when to take it, possible side effects and answers to your common questions.

• Go to Medicines A to Z (nhs.uk)

If you'd like to ask us about your medication then please complete our online enquiry form.

Please allow two full working days for us to respond. Remember to take weekends and bank holidays into account.

We will generally not give you a prescription for over-the-counter (OTC) medicines for a range of minor health conditions.

This is because of government policy to reduce the amount of money the NHS spends on prescriptions for treating minor conditions that usually get better on their own.

You can read more about this on the NHS website using the link below.

https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/medicines/why-cant-i-get-prescription-over-counter-medicine/

Prescription charges

As qualified healthcare professionals, pharmacists can offer advice on minor illnesses such as:

• coughs
• colds
• sore throats
• tummy trouble
• aches and pains

They can also advise on medicine that you can buy without a prescription.

• Find a pharmacy (nhs.uk)

Many pharmacies are open until late and at weekends. You do not need an appointment.

Most pharmacies have a private consultation room where you can discuss issues with pharmacy staff without being overheard.

Your safety and wellbeing are our top priorities. Following updated guidance from aviation medicine specialists and in line with national prescribing standards, we will not prescribe sedative medications such as Diazepam or Zopiclone for fear of flying.

Why we do not prescribe these medications

There are several important medical and safety reasons why prescribing sedatives for flight anxiety is not appropriate or safe.

1. Safety during the flight
   Sedative medications such as Diazepam and Zopiclone can make you drowsy and slow your reactions. In the event of an in-flight emergency, this could reduce your ability to respond quickly, follow safety instructions, or evacuate the aircraft if needed. This poses a risk not only to you but also to other passengers.
2. Increased risk of blood clots (DVT)
   These medications can cause a deep, unnatural sleep where you move less than during normal rest. Reduced movement on a flight — especially those lasting more than four hours — increases your risk of developing a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism, both of which can be life-threatening.
3. Unexpected or paradoxical reactions
   Although Diazepam is generally calming, a small number of people may experience paradoxical agitation, increased aggression, or disinhibition (acting out of character). This can lead to unsafe or disruptive behaviour during the flight, potentially resulting in removal from the aircraft or legal consequences.
4. Guidance from the British National Formulary (BNF)
   The BNF, which provides national prescribing guidance for UK doctors, does not recommend benzodiazepines for treating phobias such as fear of flying. These medicines are licensed only for short-term use in acute anxiety crises, under medical supervision. Prescribing them for aviophobia would be outside UK clinical and legal guidance.
5. Legal restrictions abroad
   Diazepam and similar medications are controlled substances in many countries. Carrying them may lead to confiscation, fines, or legal difficulties at your destination.

Alternative support options

We understand that fear of flying is a genuine and often distressing condition. The most effective and sustainable treatments are non-medication approaches, such as Fear of Flying courses offered by major airlines. These are designed by aviation professionals and psychologists to help you manage anxiety safely and confidently.

You may find the following resources helpful:

• British Airways – Flying with Confidence
• Virgin Atlantic – Flying Without Fear
• easyJet – Fearless Flyer Course

If you experience ongoing anxiety or panic that affects your daily life, please speak with one of our clinicians. We can provide access to talking therapies, CBT, or mental health support services that can help you manage anxiety in a safe and sustainable way.