Prescriptions

DISPENSING PRESCRIPTIONS

We dispense both NHS and private prescriptions. We also keep a record of what we supply, so we can tell whether it is safe for you to take a newly prescribed medicine together with any other medication you may be taking. The labels on your medicine will alert you to any precautions you should take, such as avoiding alcohol or not driving. At Halton Pharmacy our pharmacists are also available to provide information and advice about your medications, including their safe usage, possible side effects and general information about medications & their indications.

COUNTER PRESCRIBING “OVER THE COUNTER MEDICATIONS”

We have a wide range of well-known products available, many of which you can only buy from a pharmacy. You will be able to talk in confidence with a pharmacist about common ailments and their treatments. You can be confident that our counter staff are properly trained through accredited courses, ensuring they can provide advice on common ailments, treatments and medicines. You may be asked some simple questions about your symptoms by our staff who may refer you to the pharmacist for additional advice and information before you buy anything. This is to ensure that you get the most suitable product and advice.

A GUIDE TO PRESCRIPTION CHARGES

Most NHS treatment is free, however there can be charges for certain items such as prescriptions.

Prescriptions are charged by the item. Each item costs £7.10

Pre-Payment Certificates
If you pay for four or more prescription items in three months, or 15 or more items within 12 months then you could save money by purchasing a Pre-Payment Certificate.

• 3-month pre-payment certificate costs £27.85
• 12-month pre-payment certificate costs £102.50

A Prepayment Certificate may be purchased online at: http://www.ppa.org.uk/ppa/ppc_intro.htm or talk to our Pharmacist about obtaining a certificate.

A GUIDE TO EXEMPTIONS

NHS prescriptions are normally charged at a specific fee for each item. However, many people are exempt from paying these prescription charges.

If at the time you have your prescription dispensed you fall into one of the groups below then you should be exempt from charges.

• You are under 16
• You are 16 to 18 and in full-time education
• You are 60 or over
• You are pregnant or have had a baby in the previous 12 months and have a valid exemption certificate
• You have a specified medical condition and have a valid exemption certificate
• You have a continuing physical disability which means you cannot go out without help from another person and have a valid exemption certificate
• You are getting or your partner gets:
   - Income support
   - Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
   - Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
• You are entitled to, or named on, a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate
• You are named on a valid HC2 certificate
• You are a war pensioner, the prescription is for your accepted disablement and you have a valid war pension exemption certificate

There are also some situations in which medicines are supplied free:
• Prescribed contraceptives
• Medication administered at a hospital or a NHS Walk in Centre
• Medication personally administered by a GP
• Medication supplied at a hospital or PCT clinic for the treatment of a sexually transmissible infection

Our pharmacist will be happy to tell you all about exemptions