Online repeat prescription ordering
Published on: 30th July 2015 | Updated on: 13th May 2026
Online repeat prescription ordering allows people to request their repeat prescriptions online. These requests are then reviewed and approved by the GP practice, where repeat ordering has been authorised.
This is a type of patient facing service (PFS). It is available through the NHS App and some pharmacy apps that integrate with the NHS IM1 PFS standard.
Where a patient has an Electronic Prescription Service (EPS) nomination in place, the electronic prescription is sent directly to their chosen community pharmacy. The patient can then collect their medicines or, where available, have them delivered.
Why this matters for pharmacy teams
Evidence from international studies shows that people who can access online services are more satisfied with their care. These services can also support self-care and improve communication and engagement with clinicians.
Community pharmacy owners of all sizes now support patients through apps and websites that allow them to order medicines and use other digital features.
Pharmacy teams are also seeing benefits when patients use the NHS App or their NHS account. However, pharmacies are not currently able to see which medicines a patient has requested when repeat prescriptions are ordered through the NHS App.
Community Pharmacy England and the Community Pharmacy IT Group have raised this issue with the NHS App team. We have fed back that it would be helpful for pharmacies to see what patients have ordered via the NHS App or NHS website, where the patient has nominated that pharmacy using EPS.
Encouraging patients to order repeat prescriptions in good time, especially ahead of weekends and holiday periods, can help reduce pressure on pharmacy teams and support smoother workflows.
Patient apps with IM1 online ordering
Further information
For more information on this topic please email comms.team@cpe.org.uk
