NHS Emergency Prescriptions Explained
Accidentally running out of your medication can cause real stress. Even worse if it's out-of-office hours or at the weekend, and the GP surgery being closed means you can't access your NHS prescription till Monday.
This is where emergency prescriptions can be helpful, as they may allow you to obtain a short-term supply of the medication you need until you can contact your GP again.
Below, we run through everything you need to know about emergency prescriptions, including requirements, restrictions and how you can collect.
Three key takeaways
- An emergency prescription may provide enough medication to tide you over until you can see your GP.
- Controlled drugs and other specific medications cannot be provided by emergency prescription.
- Before collecting your emergency prescription, make sure to have details of the medication, your NHS number and photo ID.
How to get an emergency prescription?
While it’s recommended that you reorder your prescription at least five days before it’s set to run out, sometimes life gets in the way and that’s just not possible.
When this happens, there are a few ways that you can get an emergency prescription:
NHS 111
The default option for most people when they need urgent medical attention is to contact NHS 111, which can be done by calling 111 or visiting their website. NHS 111 is available 24/7, and the service is free to use.
- You will need to complete a brief questionnaire, during which they’ll ask about the medication you require and whether you’re experiencing any symptoms.
- You’ll need to provide details about your medication, including the dosage and the reason you take it.
- If deemed appropriate, they’ll arrange for you to receive an emergency supply of your medication, which is typically enough to last till you can see your GP. They may direct you to an out-of-hours GP service, a local pharmacy, or an urgent treatment centre.
Visit a pharmacy
You can visit a local pharmacy to request an emergency supply. They may be able to provide you with certain emergency medicines even if you don’t have a prescription issued for that month.
You may be referred to a late-night pharmacy by NHS 111, depending on what time you’re calling.
You will still need a repeat prescription of the medication you’re requesting in order to obtain an emergency prescription.
Urgent treatment centres
Urgent treatment centres (UTCs) are NHS walk-in facilities that treat non-life-threatening conditions and injuries. NHS 111 may direct you to a UTC if you need an emergency prescription assessed by a healthcare professional.
UTCs have access to clinical staff who can prescribe medications on the spot and typically offer extended hours, including evenings and weekends. You don't need an appointment to visit a UTC, though NHS 111 may book you a timeslot to reduce waiting times.
Call your GP
You can call your GP and request an emergency prescription, even if it’s late. Their answering machine should give you their out-of-hours service, which should allow you to get in touch and explain that you need your repeat prescription.
Can you get an emergency prescription without an existing prescription?
If you do not have a repeat prescription for the medication you are requesting, you may be denied.
An emergency prescription is a short-term supply of medicine that prevents you from running out of medication you are taking regularly. It is not the same as obtaining a new prescription from your GP.
When can you not get an emergency prescription?
There are some instances where certain medications cannot be provided on NHS 111 as part of an emergency prescription. The service cannot be used to get:
- antibiotics for a new or recent problem
- controlled drugs that require identification to collect
How Chemist4U can help you manage your repeat prescriptions
While we may not be able to provide emergency prescriptions, we’ll do everything we can to help you avoid being in that situation.
We’ll prompt you to reorder your prescription with reminders and allow you to request your medication at any time of day, even when your local pharmacy or GP surgery isn’t open.
Additionally, if you’re ever unsure about when your next prescription is due to be reordered, you can always contact our friendly, UK-based customer care team, who will be more than happy to help.
You can reach them via telephone at 01685474433 or email at support@chemist-4-u.com
Frequently asked questions about emergency prescriptions
Can you get a prescription the same day?
Emergency prescriptions are usually available to you on the same day. When calling NHS 111, they will help arrange for you to obtain your medication, even if it means it is from a different pharmacy than your usual one (i.e., a late-night pharmacy).
Can a pharmacist prescribe an emergency prescription?
Pharmacists can provide emergency prescriptions if you visit them. You will be charged your usual prescription fee, unless you are eligible for free NHS prescriptions.
Can NHS 111 provide emergency prescriptions?
NHS 111 is the best way to access emergency medical advice. Not only can they provide you with the prescription, but they will also help advise you on how to collect it, even outside of office hours.
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