Some important information on the upcoming introduction of 12-month prescriptions from 01 February 2026
We have underlined in red on the info sheet below some particularly key parts.
To proactively manage patient expectations, we wish to emphasise that we anticipate very few patients will be eligible for 12-month prescriptions.
We will of course provide more information closer to the time and as it becomes available to us, but see below the image for some brief FAQs.
FAQs*
*Based on current available information
Q. How will I request a 12-month prescription?
A. From 01/02/26, request your repeat prescription as you usually would - i.e. via our patient portal Well or by calling reception - but ensure that you include a message stating you would like to get a 12-month prescription if possible.
Q. What will happen once I've put my 12-month prescription request in?
A. Your GP or Nurse Practitioner will review your prescription request as usual, then:
If they determine you are/may be eligible for a 12-month prescription: they will likely ask you to arrange an appointment for a review before providing your 12-month prescription. The usual appointment fee will apply.
If they determine you are not eligible for a 12-month prescription: they may still ask you to arrange an appointment if you're due for a review, but will otherwise issue a 1-month or 3-month prescription (depending on your medication/s).
Q. So I won't be able to get a 12-month prescription without having an appointment first?
A. It is unlikely that your practitioner will be able to provide a 12-month prescription without seeing you first.
Q. Will I be able to get all my medications prescribed for 12 months?
A. That will depend on your medications and your medical history. Your practitioner may be able to prescribe all of your medications for 12 months, or only some of them, or none of them.
Q. What if I think I should be eligible for a 12-month prescription, but my practitioner declines to provide one?
A. Ultimately, the decision to provide a 12-month prescription or not lies with the prescribing clinician. If you think you have unfairly or incorrectly been declined a 12-month prescription, you will need to arrange an appointment with your practitioner to discuss this further. The usual appointment fee will apply, and a 12-month prescription will not be guaranteed.
Q. If my usual GP/Nurse Practitioner is away on leave, will another practitioner be able to issue a 12-month prescription for me?
A. It is unlikely that a locum or other practitioner unfamiliar with you and your medical history will issue a 12-month prescription for you.
Q. What counts as controlled medicines or "as needed" medicines?
A. Controlled medicines include opioids (e.g. Codeine, Tramadol, Oxycodone, Morphine, Fentanyl), stimulants (e.g. Methylphenidate, Dexamfetamine, Lisdexamfetamine), and benzodiazepines (e.g. Clonazepam, Diazepam, Lorazepam, Temazepam), among others. Supply of these medications is tightly restricted and regulated.
"As needed" medicines include any medication you don't take on a regular schedule/only take when you need to, e.g. to manage a temporary flare of a particular condition, to aid sleep, etc.
Controlled medicines and medicines you take "as needed" will not be eligible for 12-month prescriptions.
