New report warns repeat prescription system strains NHS and patients

The Repeat Prescription Report, published today, warns that one outlet repeat-prescription workflow imposes a growing financial strain on the NHS, which allocates around £9 billion annually to repeat medicines, including £1.5 billion for diabetes treatments. Patients on repeat prescriptions spend an average of 1 hour 36 minutes each month picking up drugs and pay about £6.50 in travel expenses, creating an estimated £11.5 billion economic cost nationwide.

More than half of users reported needing a second pharmacy trip because prescriptions were not ready, while a quarter left due to long queues, and one-third missed receiving medication because of errors. The study, authored by Imperial College London’s Waseem Jerjes and Austen El-Osta, notes that 97 % of prescriptions are now sent electronically, yet the delivery of medicines has not kept pace. It recommends improving real-time updates, expanding awareness of online and community pharmacy options, and using repeat prescribing as a preventive health touchpoint. Phil Day of Pharmacy2U stresses that rising demand from an aging population will intensify pressure on GPs and pharmacies unless the system is streamlined.