Prescription Ordering Direct (POD)

A new and convenient way to order your repeat prescription. 

Telephone 0808 164 7678 (Freephone) call Monday to Friday between 8am and 4pm (excluding bank holidays)

All it takes is a simple phone call that you can make from the comfort of your own home - there's no need to go into your GP practice or pharmacy.

Who can use this service? 

Anyone registered at the GP can use the POD service.

Why use this new service?

This service hopes to reduce prescription waste by helping to ensure patients order the medication they need, when they need it. Ordering your repeat prescription will be a quick and simple telephone call. You can discuss your medication requirements and we can alert you if a medication review is needed.

Who will you be talking to? 

The NHS POD service is provided, on behalf of your GP practice, by NHS High Weald Lewes Havens and Brighton and Hove Clinical Commissioning Group. Your call will be answered by a dedicated, experienced and fully trained prescription co-ordinator.

How does the NHS POD work? 

You will be asked which GP practice you belong to and if you consent to your medical record being accessed to process your prescription request. You will then be asked to confirm your identity by giving personal details such as name and date of birth. Each item on your repeat will be discussed and only those needed, will be ordered.

Why are we offering this new service? 

Our aim is to ensure that patients are receiving the correct quantity of medication needed in a timely manner, to reduce the amount of prescription waste in our area. Unused prescription medicines cost the NHS millions of pounds every year.

I am happy with my existing service. Do I have to change? 

You will still be able to order your prescriptions online or in person through your GP practice, but will no longer be able to order through the pharmacy. In order to reduce prescription waste we believe that patients need to take responsibility and control of their own medication needs. You can still use the same pharmacy to supply your medicines and any delivery arrangements should still remain in place.

How can patients help reduce prescription waste? 

Check your medication cupboard before ordering more, order prescriptions when you have 7 days of medications left and let us or your surgery know if you have stopped taking any of your medicines.