Why we review repeat prescriptions

Your safety is our priority. Repeat prescriptions are not just a refill of medication – they are an important opportunity to:

• Check that your medication is still the most appropriate treatment for you

• Ensure your medication remains safe, including checks on kidney and other organ function where needed

• Review the dose and how often you take the medication

• Identify and manage side effects or interactions with other medicines

• Ensure recommended monitoring and screening are up to date

This approach is consistent with Cornerstone standards, which require regular, documented medication review to support safe prescribing.

How often are repeat prescriptions issued?

Most repeat prescriptions at Waimate Medical Centre are issued for three months at a time.

From 1 February 2026, legislation allows prescriptions to be issued for up to 12 months. However, our practice has chosen a more cautious approach to support patient safety. This policy is reviewed regularly.

In some situations, a six-month prescription may be considered. A doctor’s appointment is required before any prescription longer than three months is issued.

Who may be eligible for a six-month prescription?

Six-month prescriptions may be considered for patients with stable, well-controlled conditions, including:

• Treated hypothyroidism that is stable

• Cholesterol-lowering medication used for primary prevention only

• Oral contraceptive pill use

• Stable long-term antidepressant treatment

• Stable long-term allopurinol treatment for gout

Eligibility is determined by your clinician based on your individual health needs and monitoring requirements.

When are three-month prescriptions recommended?

For safety reasons, three-month prescriptions are usually maintained if you have:

• Multiple medical conditions or take several medications

• Diabetes (particularly if control is not optimal)

• Heart or vascular conditions

• Kidney disease, asthma, or COPD

• Conditions requiring regular blood tests or monitoring

• Recently started or changed medications

This helps ensure appropriate follow-up, monitoring, and timely review.

What we check when issuing a repeat prescription

When we process a repeat prescription, we:

• Review your current medication list for accuracy

• Check whether any medications have been changed by hospital doctors or specialists

• Review recalls and monitoring requirements

• Identify whether you are due for blood tests, blood pressure checks, or other monitoring

You may be asked to book an appointment if a review is needed before your prescription can be safely issued.

How you can help

You can support safe prescribing by:

• Requesting repeats before you run out of medication

• Attending recommended reviews and blood tests

• Letting us know if another doctor has changed your medication

• Telling us about any side effects or concerns

If you have questions about your medications or repeat prescriptions, please contact the practice team.

This information supports safe prescribing and reflects Cornerstone-aligned clinical governance at Waimate Medical Centre.