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Ordering Repeat Prescriptions Online – What You Need to Know

Online Requests

The NHS is evolving, and GP practices across England are embracing digital tools to make healthcare safer, faster, and more convenient. At The Orchard Partnership, we’ve introduced SystmConnect and SystmOnline for repeat prescriptions. These systems are fully integrated with SystmOne, the clinical platform used by many practices, and they’re designed to improve efficiency, protect your data, and keep patients safe.

✅ Why Are We Making This Change?

Healthcare is changing. The NHS is moving towards a more digital future, and research shows that switching to online prescription services brings huge benefits.

Efficiencies for Everyone

🔹 Patients save an average of 18 minutes per order by avoiding phone calls or visits.
🔹 Across England, over 3 million repeat prescriptions are now ordered online every month, and this number is growing.
🔹 Ordering prescriptions digitally saves GP practices around 3 minutes per prescription, freeing up time for patient care.

Better Use of NHS Resources

🔹Reducing paperwork and phone calls helps practices manage workload and costs.
🔹 Electronic Repeat Dispensing (eRD) allows up to 12 months of medication to be authorised in advance, reducing risks and delays.

Safer and More Secure

🔹Digital systems link directly to your medical record, ensuring the right medication for the right person.
🔹All platforms comply with NHS Digital and GDPR standards, protecting your personal information.
🔹Electronic prescribing significantly reduces errors compared to handwritten prescriptions.

Supporting Patient Safety

🔹Structured online forms reduce mistakes and improve accuracy.
🔹Requests are logged and tracked securely, giving you peace of mind.

🌐 The Bigger Picture

This is part of a wider NHS transformation. More digital improvements are coming, and they will help us deliver care that is faster, safer, and more personalised. We know change can feel different at first, but research across the NHS shows that these systems make a real difference to efficiency and patient safety.

📝 How to Order Your Repeat Prescription Online

  1. Register for Online Access
    Speak to our reception team to set up your SystmOnline account.
  2. Visit Our Website
    Go to the Prescriptions section and click SystmConnect, then SystmOnline.
  3. Log In
    Enter your username and password.
  4. Choose Your Request
    Scroll to Other Medical Request, select Medication Request, and pick your pre-authorised repeat medication.
  5. Review and Submit
    Check your summary page, add any notes if needed, and click Submit. That’s it!

💬 What If I Don’t Have Digital Access?

Please don’t worry. We will always support patients who cannot use online services. However, we kindly ask that where possible, patients use the digital method first. This is vital for helping us achieve the goals of improving efficiency, reducing pressure on NHS resources, and keeping everyone safe.

🔒 Why This Matters

  • Peace of Mind: Your request is accurate and secure.
  • Less Hassle: No more waiting on hold or rushing to the surgery.
  • Better Safety: Digital systems reduce errors and keep your health information safe.
  • Optimised Care: Practices using digital tools operate more efficiently, meaning more time for patient care.

If you have any questions or need help registering, please speak to our reception team or check the FAQs on our website. We’re here to help every patient access their medication in the way that works best for them.