Changes to Prescription Request Policy August 2025
From 1st August 2025, the turnaround time for processing repeat prescriptions will be increasing to 4 working days.
| Order by 12pm on: | Collect after 12pm on: |
| Monday | Friday |
| Tuesday | Monday |
| Wednesday | Tuesday |
| Thursday | Wednesday |
| Friday | Thursday |
Please note this excludes weekends and Bank Holidays
Managed Repeat Service (Auto Repeat)
Ixworth Surgery offers a Managed Repeat Service, where our dispensary team takes care of ordering your repeat prescriptions for you.
When you collect your medication, we’ll ask what items you will need next month. We’ll then automatically order and prepare your prescription so it’s ready to collect in four weeks, saving you time and hassle.
If you’d like to sign up for this convenient Auto Repeat service, simply let a member of the dispensary team know when you next collect your medication.
Why is this change necessary?
There are several reasons that have contributed to us having to make this change
Our dispensing robot is being removed as it has reached the end of its service life. Frequent breakdowns were increasingly affecting the level of service we could provide to patients. Due to significant cost increases, replacing the robot is no longer financially viable for a practice of our size.
As part of this change, we are undertaking a pharmacy refit to improve workflow and functionality, and to adapt to operating without the robot.
We will soon be introducing the Electronic Prescription Service (EPS), which will help streamline the way prescriptions are processed and make it easier for patients to collect their medication.
The volume of medications being dispensed has increased significantly, alongside ongoing medication supply chain issues, which can cause delays in obtaining certain items.
These changes are being made to help us maintain a safe, efficient, and dependable service. They will also support us in managing increasing demand and minimising the need for patients to make repeated trips to the surgery.
Other Ways to Order Your Repeat Prescription
There are a few easy ways to order your repeat medication.
You can use the NHS App or SystmOnline. Both are quick and convenient. If you need help getting set up or need your login details, just ask at reception.
You can also drop off your completed repeat prescription slip. Either hand it to the dispensary team or pop it into one of our prescription drop-off boxes, which are located next to the dispensary and just outside the front door of the surgery.
If you’re ever unsure, our team is always happy to help.
