NHS prescriptions are issued for medications and treatments that are funded by the National Health Service. This is the most common type of prescription in the UK. Who issues them? GPs (General Practitioners), hospital doctors, and other qualified healthcare professionals working within the NHS. What do they cover? A wide range of medicines, medical devices, and some wound care products. Cost: While the NHS covers most of the cost, there is usually a standard prescription charge per item, unless you are exempt (e.g., due to age, income, or certain medical conditions). How to get them: Your doctor will issue an electronic prescription or a paper prescription, which you can then take to any pharmacy to be dispensed.

Repeat prescriptions are for medications you need to take regularly over a long period, without needing to see your doctor every time. How they work: Once your doctor has authorised a repeat prescription, you can order it directly from your GP practice (online, via app, or in person) or through your nominated pharmacy. Convenience: Designed to make it easier to get your regular medication, saving you time and reducing the need for frequent doctor appointments. Review: While convenient, your doctor will periodically review your repeat medications to ensure they are still appropriate for your health needs. Ordering: You typically need to order your repeat prescription a few days before you run out to allow time for processing.

Electronic Prescribing Service (EPS) is a system that allows prescriptions to be sent electronically from your GP practice directly to a pharmacy of your choice. How it works: Your doctor issues the prescription electronically. You can nominate a "default" pharmacy to receive all your prescriptions, or decide each time where you want to collect your medication. Benefits: Convenience: No need to collect a paper prescription from your GP practice. Efficiency: Reduces errors and speeds up the prescribing process. Flexibility: You can choose a pharmacy near your home, work, or anywhere else. Nomination: You can nominate your preferred pharmacy at your GP practice or at any pharmacy. You can also change your nomination at any time. What you need: You just need come to the pharmacy and tell your name and date of birth to collect your medication.

Private prescriptions are issued by a private doctor or specialist, or sometimes by an NHS doctor for a medicine that is not available or funded by the NHS for a specific condition. Funding: Unlike NHS prescriptions, the patient is responsible for the full cost of the medication prescribed, as well as the consultation fee from the private healthcare provider. Who issues them? Doctors working outside the NHS framework, or for specific treatments not covered by the NHS. Cost: There is no standard charge; the price of the medication is determined by the pharmacy dispensing it. How to get them: You will receive a paper prescription from your private doctor, which you then take to any pharmacy to be filled.