Dispensary

Dispensary Information

We are very pleased to announce that we are able to dispense medicines to some of our patients.

For many years GPs have been able to dispense medicines to their patients who live in more rural areas. The benefit to those patients is that they do not have to take their prescription to a pharmacy to collect their medicines, but can have them dispensed all in one visit from the GPs premises.

Unfortunately, the legislation surrounding GPs dispensing only allows for GPs to dispense to their patients living more than a mile from their nearest pharmacy.  This means that only about a quarter of our patients will have the benefit of this new service we are able to offer. We are able to dispense to patients living in the villages surrounding Witney and include most parts of:

Ducklington, Standlake,  Brize Norton, Curbridge, South Leigh, Ramsden, Hailey and Cote.

It is a pity that the current legislation does not allow for us to dispense medicines to all of our 13,000 patients. However, for those patients to whom this service is available, we hope this is a welcome improvement.

How do dispensing patients request repeat prescriptions?

You can request repeat medications by one of the following methods :

- Calling 01993 708452, or by

- Posting it to us, enclosing your repeat script and stating:

• a) which of the 5 local chemists you want to collect your prescription from (please allow 3 working days), or whether you want to collect your prescription from the Windrush Health Centre (please allow 2 working days),
• b) if you would prefer us to post your prescription back to you (please enclose a stamped, addressed envelope). 

- Via our Online Services

Please note that only medications on your repeat form can be issued.

How does the dispensary affect me?

If you live more than a mile from the nearest chemist, you are able to benefit from having your medicines supplied direct from the health centre. Unfortunately, patients living within Witney itself are not able to benefit under current regulations. You are not under any obligation to have your medicines dispensed from our surgery, but we believe there are many benefits from doing so.

What about prescription charges?

These are payable exactly as you would in any chemist. If you have an exemption from prescription charge, please bring proof of this when you collect your medicines. We can now accept credit cards.

More information: Help with health costs

What are the benefits to dispensing patients?

If your doctor or nurse issues a prescription during your consultation, you will be able to have it filled within a few minutes from the dispensary hatch in the waiting room, rather than having to walk or drive to the chemist.

For repeat prescriptions we anticipate there will be less room for error and confusion if we dispense these on site.

Prescriptions occasionally seem to go missing en route to the chemist and there is often confusion about items ordered. These situations will be easier to overcome in our own dispensary.  

When will the dispensary be open?

It will be open 8.30am to 6.30pm Monday to Friday, i.e. whenever the surgery is open.

Will the dispensary have what I need?

We will have broad stocks of commonly prescribed items. If we do not have an item in stock, we will be able to obtain it within 24 hours (like any chemist) as we have twice daily deliveries from our suppliers.