Ordering repeat prescriptions
The easiest ways to order repeat prescriptions are:
- using your NHS account (through the NHS website or in the NHS App)
- using the GP online system: Systm Online
- by Email – send it to us via ambroseavenue.postmaster@nhs.net
These accounts show you all your repeat medicine and dosage and you can choose the ones you need.
You can also:
- use the Anima service
- bring your paper slip to the surgery
We do not take repeat prescription requests over the phone or email.
Collecting your prescription
To avoid errors requests will not be taken over the phone and it takes up to 5 working days for repeat prescription requests to be processed, 7 working days for non-repeat prescriptions.
Please allow an extra couple of days for medication to be ready at your nominated 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:
- on the app or website where you order repeat prescriptions
- at any pharmacy that accepts repeat prescriptions
Questions about your prescription
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 would like to speak to someone at the GP surgery about your prescription:
- use the Anima service
- phone our prescription team between 10:30am and 12:30pm on 01206 549444, selecting option 3
Medication reviews
If you have a repeat prescription, we may ask you to come in for a regular review. We will be in touch when you need to come in for a review.
Prescription charges
Find out more about prescription charges (nhs.uk).
What to do with old medicines
Take it to the pharmacy you got it from. Do not put it in your household bin or flush it down the toilet.
About pharmacists
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.
Many pharmacies are open until late and at weekends. You do not need an appointment.
Most pharmacies have a private room where you can discuss issues with pharmacy staff.
Pharmacy First services
The following table shows the 7 conditions pharmacists can manage across various age ranges.
| Clinical pathway | Age range |
| Acute otitis media* | 1 to 17 years |
| Impetigo | 1 year and over |
| Infected insect bites | 1 year and over |
| Shingles | 18 years and over |
| Sinusitis | 12 years and over |
| Sore throat | 5 years and over |
| Uncomplicated urinary tract infections | Women 16-64 years |
Local pharmacies participating in Colchester:
- Boots:
- Day Lewis Pharmacy Priory Walk
- Plume Ave Day Lewis St Christopher Road
- Tollgate Hutt Pharmacy
- Lion Walk Abbeyfield Pharmacy
- Military Rd Mersea Road Pharmacy
- Tamarisk Way Priory Pharmacy
- GMG Pharmacy Prettygate
- Hythe Pharmacy
- GMG Pharmacy Cavalry Road
- Welpharm Pharmacy
- GMG Pharmacy Nayland Road
- Queen Street Pharmacy
- Marks Tey Pharmacy
- Asda Pharmacy
- Ambrose Pharmacy
- The Green Pharmacy
- Care Pharmacy