How it Works
1. Download the App and Register
Firstly, you’ll need to register with us. The best way to do this is to download the Now Patient app as this gives you access to the full range of our services including online ordering. If you don’t have a smart phone you can also register using our web form or calling us on 0808 301 3552.
Now Patient can only dispense electronic prescriptions from NHS England. If you are based in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland then this service may not be relevant for you.
Please note that, by registering, you are nominating Now Pharmacy (our pharmacy) to dispense and deliver your repeat prescriptions.
2. We upload your repeat prescriptions to the app
Once you have registered, Now Patient will upload a list of your repeat prescriptions to the app. We get this information from your NHS summary care record (which is why we ask for your approval to do this during the registration process).
This process usually takes less than 48 hours but in periods of peak demand it may take a little longer. We will send you an email and in-app push notification when it is complete, and your items are available to order.
3. You order your medications
The easiest way to order is by using the app. Just log in, tap the medicines that have been prescribed by your GP and let us know where you want them delivered.
If you don’t have a smartphone you are still able to order but it will take a little longer. You will have to go to your GP and get them to send the repeat prescription request to us. We will then dispense and deliver your medications.
4. Your GP signs off the prescriptions
Now Patient works using the NHS’s Electronic Prescription Service (EPS). EPS allows GPs to send your prescriptions electronically to your chosen pharmacy.
Every electronic prescription that a pharmacy dispenses must be approved by your GP. But don’t worry, you don’t have to do anything. We liaise directly with your GP to get the prescription signed off so we can finalise your order.
5. We pick and send the items
Now Pharmacy has a state-of-the-art national dispensing facility where our robots quickly pick out the medications you need and hand them to our friendly (human!) pharmacists for a thorough check before we send them out to you.
6. The medicines are delivered to your door
Now Patient will send the medicines you ordered to an address of your choice. Free delivery is all part of the service, so it won’t cost you anything. We’ve also listened to our customers who have told us that sometimes their medicines are too large to fit through their letterbox and they don’t like having to hang around all day to catch the postman. Because of this we can promise that, if you have 3 or more items sent to you and the package is too large to fit through the letterbox, we will deliver them to you using a courier service and send a text so you know when to expect them. All this is always free of charge.
7. You access the full range of Now Patient’s services
Once you have completed your first order of medication with Now Patient you can then access every part of our app. You’ll then need to order again next month (for patient safety, every order must be requested by you and approved by your GP before we can send it out), but don’t worry about not remembering. Our app lets you set automatic reminders, so you’ll never forget to order your medication again.
