NHS prescriptions
How NHS pharmacy nomination works for repeat prescriptions
Nomination tells the NHS where to send your electronic prescriptions. It does not change your GP, and you can change your chosen pharmacy later.
The short answer
What to know first
- Your GP still decides whether to issue the prescription.
- The electronic prescription is sent to your chosen pharmacy.
- You can request eligible repeat medicines and change your chosen pharmacy in the NHS App.
- If a medicine is urgent, contact the pharmacy rather than waiting for routine processing.
What does nominating a pharmacy actually mean?
When you choose, or nominate, a pharmacy, you are telling the NHS where you would normally like electronic prescriptions to be sent. Your GP surgery remains responsible for reviewing and authorising prescription requests; the pharmacy receives the prescription after it has been issued.
Nomination is designed to remove the need to collect a paper prescription from your GP surgery. Your chosen pharmacy continues to receive new electronic prescriptions until you change the nomination or ask for it to be removed.
Guidance: NHS
How to choose or change your pharmacy in the NHS App
Open the NHS App, choose Prescriptions, then look for Your chosen pharmacy or Choose a pharmacy. Follow the on-screen steps to search for and select the pharmacy you want to use.
You can change your chosen pharmacy later. Bear in mind that a prescription you have already requested may still be sent to the pharmacy that was nominated when the request was made. If you are unsure where an outstanding prescription has gone, check the app or contact the pharmacies involved before making another request.
- 01
Open Prescriptions in the NHS App or NHS website.
- 02
Select Your chosen pharmacy or Choose a pharmacy.
- 03
Search for Letter Box Pharmacy and follow the confirmation steps.
- 04
Check the selected pharmacy before submitting your next repeat request.
Guidance: NHS, NHS England Digital
What happens after you request a repeat prescription?
A repeat request is not the same as a prescription being issued. The request first goes to your GP surgery for approval. Once authorised, the electronic prescription is sent to the chosen pharmacy for clinical and legal checks, dispensing and supply.
The NHS advises allowing time for the pharmacy to prepare a prescription and notes that this can take 3 to 5 working days. Timing can vary if the GP needs a medication review, the request is early, stock must be ordered or the prescription needs clarification.
Guidance: NHS, NHS England Digital
Where delivery and pharmacist support fit in
Choosing a pharmacy decides where the electronic prescription is sent; collection or delivery arrangements are then agreed with that pharmacy. Letter Box Pharmacy offers delivery for NHS repeat prescriptions and pharmacist support if you have questions about supply, taking your medicine or an unexpected change.
Nomination does not guarantee that every item can be supplied immediately. Pharmacies sometimes need to order stock or speak with the prescriber. Keeping your contact details current helps the team reach you quickly when something needs checking.
A simple repeat-prescription checklist
- Check how much medicine you have left before requesting more.
- Request only the items you currently need.
- Confirm the nominated pharmacy shown in the NHS App.
- Respond promptly if your GP or pharmacist asks a question.
- Plan earlier around weekends, bank holidays and travel.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Can I change my nominated pharmacy?
Yes. You can normally change your chosen pharmacy in the NHS App or NHS website. A prescription already in progress may still go to the previous pharmacy.
Does nomination move me to a different GP?
No. It only tells the NHS where to send electronic prescriptions. Your GP registration is unchanged.
Can the pharmacy approve my repeat request?
No. Your GP surgery authorises the prescription. The pharmacy can dispense it after it has been issued and received.
What should I do if I need medicine urgently?
Contact the pharmacy as soon as possible. If you have run out of prescribed medicine and need it urgently, NHS 111 online can assess an emergency prescription request. Call 999 for a life-threatening emergency.
Guidance & partner information
Sources
Sources were checked on 19 August 2026. We prioritise current NHS, NICE, MHRA and regulator information.
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