NHS service

NHS batch repeat dispensing.

If you're on stable, regular medication, your GP can authorise up to a year's worth of prescriptions in advance — meaning fewer trips and far less paperwork for everyone.

Batch repeat dispensing (sometimes just called "repeat dispensing") is an NHS service for patients on long-term, stable medication. Your GP authorises a single batch prescription that covers several months — typically 6 to 12 — and we dispense it in instalments as you need them.

Who is it for?

You may be suitable for batch repeat dispensing if:

  • You take regular medication for a stable, long-term condition.
  • Your dose hasn't changed for a while.
  • You're not waiting on test results that could affect your treatment.

If this sounds like you, ask your GP whether you can be moved onto batch dispensing — and nominate us as your pharmacy via the Electronic Prescription Service.

How it works

  1. Your GP issues a batch prescription, usually for 6 or 12 months of supply.
  2. We store the authorisation electronically.
  3. You let us know when you need your next instalment — or, if you've signed up to our reminder service, we'll let you know.
  4. We dispense each instalment in line with your prescription.

Less hassle, more checks

Counter-intuitively, batch dispensing often leads to better medication safety — because every time you come in for an instalment, our pharmacist runs a quick check on whether anything's changed or any issues have come up since your last supply.