Emergency Prescriptions 2026
Due to a rising number of urgent prescription requests, the practice has introduced an Urgent Prescription Policy to help ensure patient safety and allow clinicians and staff to manage workloads effectively. Urgent prescription requests place significant pressure on doctors and administrative teams and increase the risk of prescribing errors. Unless a medication is required to prevent immediate harm, patients are asked to request prescriptions through the routine prescription system. Requests that do not meet emergency criteria will be respectfully declined, and patients will be reminded of the correct process. Exceptions may be made at the GP’s discretion.
Certain medications are classed as emergency, including insulin, end‑of‑life care medications, anticoagulants, inhalers, epilepsy medication, antidepressants, and oral contraception. Many other commonly used medications—such as blood pressure tablets, cholesterol medication, skin creams, sleeping tablets, and vitamins—are not considered urgent, as being without them for up to 48 hours is not expected to cause harm.
The list is not exhaustive, and reception staff may consult the duty doctor if clarification is needed.
Patients requiring hospital-issued medications should notify reception and, where possible, provide a copy of their discharge or clinic letter. Hospital prescriptions, including those from private providers, are processed routinely, and urgent/new medications should be supplied directly by the hospital at discharge.
All emergency prescription requests will be reviewed going forward, and the practice will contact patients who are not using the prescription request service appropriately.
Thank you for your cooperation in helping us provide safe and efficient care for all patients.
