Prescriptions

Electronic prescription service

The Electronic Prescription Service (EPS) is an NHS service. It gives you the chance to change how your GP sends your prescription to the place you choose to get your medicines or appliances from.

What does this mean for you?

You will have more choice about where to get your medicines from because they can be collected from a pharmacy near to where you live, work or shop.

For further information on:

  • Choosing a pharmacy or other dispenser
  • Cancelling or changing your choice of pharmacist or dispenser
  • What can I do if I'm unhappy with the process?

Go to Electronic prescriptions .nhs.uk.

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.

If you would like to speak to someone at the GP surgery about your prescription, you can ask the receptionist for a telephone appointment with our practice pharmacist.

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 or bring it in to the surgery. 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 consultation room where you can discuss issues with pharmacy staff without being overheard.

Ordering repeat prescriptions

The easiest ways to order repeat prescriptions are:

These accounts show you all your repeat medicine and dosage and you can choose the ones you need.

You can also:

  • post a note through our letter box during opening hours

We do not accept prescription requests by telephone for safety reasons.

Collecting your prescription

You can usually collect your prescription from the pharmacy. This takes 3 to 5 working days after you have ordered it.

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 your GP practice
  • at any pharmacy that accepts repeat prescriptions

Policy on Prescribing Diazepam for Fear of Flying

Wanstead Place Surgery has decided to no longer prescribe benzodiazepines (such as Diazepam) for fear of flying. This policy, shared by many UK practices, prioritizes patient safety and adheres to national clinical guidelines.

Why We Do Not Prescribe This Medication

  • Safety in Emergencies: Sedatives impair coordination and reaction times. In an emergency, you may be unable to follow instructions or exit the aircraft safely.
  • Risk of Blood Clots (DVT): Diazepam reduces natural movement during sleep. On flights longer than four hours, this significantly increases the risk of life-threatening blood clots.
  • Paradoxical Reactions: Some individuals become agitated or aggressive rather than calm, which can lead to legal or safety issues mid-flight.
  • Clinical Guidelines: NICE and the British National Formulary (BNF) state that benzodiazepines should not be used for mild anxiety or phobic states.
  • Legal & Workplace Risks: These drugs are controlled substances; they are illegal in several countries and can stay in your system long enough to cause a failed workplace drug test.

Recommended Resources

Flight anxiety is not covered under the standard NHS GP contract. We suggest the following support options:

 

Page last reviewed: 06 May 2026
Page created: 13 May 2024