Running out of medication you take every day is a hassle nobody needs. The NHS Repeat Prescription service and the Electronic Prescription Service mean most people in Mitcham never have to visit a GP surgery just to keep their treatment topped up. At Saturn Pharmacy on Mitcham Lane, we handle the whole process, from the request through to free delivery at your door.
What Is an NHS Repeat Prescription?
A repeat prescription is an authorisation from your GP that lets you keep receiving the same medication without booking a new appointment every time. It’s typically set up for long-term conditions like blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, and thyroid issues, where the dose rarely changes month to month.
Ordering a repeat usually means requesting the items through your GP’s online system, the NHS App, or your nominated pharmacy, waiting for approval (normally quick if nothing’s changed), then collecting in person or having it delivered. Your GP will still check in on your repeat medications about once a year, just to make sure everything’s still working. The NHS has a full guide on how to order a repeat prescription if you want the official walkthrough.
How the Electronic Prescription Service Works
The Electronic Prescription Service, or EPS, lets your GP send a prescription straight to a pharmacy electronically instead of printing a paper copy for you to carry over. You “nominate” a pharmacy, and from that point on, your prescriptions go directly to them.
You can nominate Saturn Pharmacy as your default, and change it again whenever you like. Prescriptions are stored securely and only released to authorised staff, and it means no more physically collecting paper prescriptions from your surgery.
Setting Up EPS With Your GP
If you’re not already nominated with a pharmacy, ask your GP surgery to set this up at your next visit or over the phone; it takes a couple of minutes. Once it’s active, most of your prescriptions move to Saturn Pharmacy automatically. Prefer to talk it through first? Book an appointment with us.
Free Prescription Delivery in Mitcham
Not everyone can get to the pharmacy easily, and most people would rather not queue for medication they order every month anyway. So we deliver it free.
Your GP approves the prescription and sends it to us electronically. We prepare your medication, check it against your record, and deliver it to your address at no extra cost. It’s especially useful if you’re managing a chronic condition, caring for a family member, or just don’t have room in your schedule for a pharmacy trip.
Other Ways Saturn Pharmacy Supports Your Health
Repeat prescriptions are only part of what we do:
- Pharmacy First Service — for common conditions like UTIs, sore throats, or ear infections, our pharmacists can often treat you on the spot, no GP appointment required.
- New Medicines Service — just started a new medication? We’ll check in to make sure it’s working as expected and answer any questions about side effects.
- Blood pressure checks and flu vaccinations — quick, walk-in friendly, and useful alongside repeat prescriptions.
- We also stock mobility aids and incontinence products, and offer a private contraception service. See the full list of services for everything we cover.
What to Do If You Need an Emergency Prescription
Run out unexpectedly, or lost a prescription before you could collect it? Come and talk to us. As a local NHS chemist on Mitcham Lane, we can often sort out an emergency supply faster than waiting on a GP callback, especially if you’re already registered with us. Outside our opening hours, NHS 111 can arrange emergency access to medication.
Why Choose Saturn Pharmacy as Your NHS Chemist on Mitcham Lane
We’re not trying to be the biggest pharmacy in south London, just a reliable one. We’re NHS-affiliated, we process both paper and electronic prescriptions, and our delivery is actually free rather than a paid add-on dressed up as a perk. Our pharmacists take the time to explain what you’re taking and why, and we’re open six days a week, including evenings on most weekdays.
Looking for a pharmacy near you in Mitcham that treats repeat prescriptions as more than paperwork? Read more on our About Us page, or see what patients say on our reviews page.
FAQ
Do I have to pay for a repeat prescription?
Depends on your circumstances. Many people are exempt from prescription charges due to age, income, or a qualifying medical condition.
How do I switch my nominated pharmacy to Saturn Pharmacy?
Just let us know, or mention it to your GP surgery next time you’re in touch. Once it’s updated, your future prescriptions route to us automatically.
How long does a repeat prescription take to process?
Most GP surgeries aim to process requests within a few working days. Once approved, we usually have it ready for collection or delivery shortly after.
Can I get an emergency prescription outside normal hours?
Depends on the time and day. During our opening hours, come in and speak to us directly. Outside that, NHS 111 can help arrange urgent access.
Is home delivery really free?
Yes, no hidden charge. It’s part of how we support patients who can’t easily get to us in person.
Get Your Repeat Prescriptions Sorted the Easy Way
Managing a repeat prescription shouldn’t take more of your time than the medication itself deserves. Nominate Saturn Pharmacy, let the Electronic Prescription Service do the heavy lifting, and we’ll take care of the rest, including getting it to your door.
Get in touch with Saturn Pharmacy to nominate us for your repeat prescriptions, or book an appointment if you’d like to talk through your options with one of our pharmacists first.

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