Important: Patient led ordering (repeat medication)
The way repeat prescriptions are ordered is changing. All patients (who are able to do so) are required to order prescriptions directly from the GP practice. This means that for the majority of patients, the pharmacy will no longer order prescriptions on their behalf.
Woodside are rolling out patient-led ordering (PLO) from 27.06.2025
Purpose of the change
This change aims to:
- reduce medicine waste. Current arrangements mean that many medicines are routinely ordered but not needed
- give patients better control over the ordering of their own medication
- improve safety by avoiding stockpiling of medication and prevent medication that has been stopped from being re-ordered by mistake
- save practice time (especially if prescriptions are ordered online) with less time spent chasing and processing prescriptions and answering the phone to queries and complaints
How can patients order their medication?
Patients can order repeat medication in one of the following ways:
Preferred OPTIONS for ordering your Medication
You can ring the main practice number 0161 643 9244 OPTION 1 to be transferred to the prescriptions line number
OR
- Via the repeat prescription box at the GP practice
- Via post to the GP practice using the repeat prescription slip
Thank you
All requests for repeat prescription take 48 hours (2 working days) to process.
Order Online Using Patient Access
You can:
- book your appointments
- order your repeat prescriptions
- view your medical summary, medications, allergies and any adverse reactions.
To use this method we must first issue you with a password.
Please call the surgery or ask at the reception desk for details.
EMIS Access - online services available here
Order Online Using Patchs
PATCHS is a non-urgent online system that lets you contact your GP. Please allow 2 working days for a response. Answer 4 simple questions to get help with:
- health advice
- ongoing fit notes renewal
- medications
- and more.
To use PATCHS, visit https://patchs.ai/practice/woodsidemedicalcentre
Order Online using NHS App
You can now use the NHS App. A simple and secure way to access a range of NHS services and your GP account on your smartphone or tablet.
You can use the NHS App to check your symptoms and get instant advice, book appointments, order repeat prescriptions, view your GP medical record and more.
If you already use online access you can continue to use it. You can use the NHS App as well.
For more information go to www.nhs.uk/nhsapp
Order on the telephone
Order on the repeat prescription line: 0161 643 9431. This is available 24 hours per day, seven days per week. This has an answer phone providing an easy solution to contact the surgery.
We only requests for repeat medication that are due.
If you have a query you must speak to the receptionist. Follow the instructions from the recorded message.
Order in person
You can order your prescription by using the copy on the right hand side of your prescription. Put this into the prescription box in the waiting area.
Order using email
Order via email hmrccg.woodsideonline@nhs.net. This is available 24 hours per day, seven days per week.
We only requests for repeat medication that are due.
If you have a query you must speak to the receptionist. All requests for repeat prescription take 48 hours (2 working days to process).
Nominating a pharmacy
You will need to choose a pharmacy to collect your prescription from. We call this nominating a pharmacy.
You can change your nominated pharmacy at any time:
- Online, on the app or website where you order repeat prescriptions
- At your GP practice
- At any pharmacy that accepts repeat prescriptions
Medication reviews
If you have a repeat prescription, we may ask you to come in for a regular review. Please book a routine appointment for your review.
Questions about your prescription
Speak to the receptionist about any medication queries/ questions or send via PATCHS. Your local pharmacists can also answer any questions about your prescription.
Find a pharmacy
NHS Medicines A to Z
Prescription charges
Find out more about prescription charges on nhs.uk.
About pharmacists
As qualified healthcare professionals, they can offer advice on minor illnesses such as:
- Coughs
- Colds
- Sore throats
- Tummy trouble
- Aches and pains
Pharmacists can provide advice and treatment for a wide range of health conditions. As part of the Pharmacy First programme they can now also help with:
- earache (aged 1 to 17 years)
- impetigo (aged 1 year and over)
- infected insect bites (aged 1 year and over)
- shingles (aged 18 years and over)
- sinusitis (aged 12 years and over)
- sore throat (aged 5 years and over)
- urinary tract infections or UTIs (women aged 16 to 64 years)
This frees up GP appointments for patients who need them most. This gives people quicker and more convenient access to safe and high quality healthcare.
The aim is to address health issues before they get worse. NHS England » Pharmacy First information
Find a pharmacy
View this NHS section about how pharmacists can help and finding one near to you.
Many pharmacies are open until late and at weekends. You do not need an appointment.
Most pharmacies have a private room. This means you can discuss issues with pharmacy staff without being overheard.