Getting a prescription
Building confidence, by developing new skills. Family and carers will always help with things like prescriptions but it can be easy not to notice how it all works. Try to get a prescription yourself with someone supporting you to start with. Always make sure you ask someone to check your medication before you take it.
Table of Contents
Useful Links
Programme goals
We have identified three key goals for each lifeguide.
Click on each goal for more information.
Get to know your surroundings
A great way to prepare for anything new, is to become familiar with it. This builds your confidence to develop the skill.
What can I do to prepare?
Top tips to help you succeed whatever the situation.
Check your name and address are correct
Check its the correct medication
See if you are eligable for free prescriptions
Check you know when and how often to take the medication
What to do in unexpected events
Handy Tips
Some handy reminders in sequence, to help your confidence flow.
Resources available to you
Spend some time getting to know these helpful websites before completing this skill.
Spend some time getting to know some useful information on some websites to develop your skill. We have selected some key pages that are useful for you, taking you straight to the information that matters.
Boots prescription support
With Boots, managing your prescriptions is easy. Discover how to order your repeat prescriptions & explore how we can support you & your family
NHS
Information and advice about NHS pharmacies, usually found in hospitals. St Mary's has a pharmacy on the ground floor of the main building near Costa.
Lloyds Pharmacies
Information and advice, online services etc
Communication
Key phrases to practice and say, talking to new people can be tricky but people really do want to help so get used to asking for key things. Having a lanyard or card that explains your hidden disability can also be useful to show people. Self advocacy is important and remember people with disabilities have a right to equal access to opportunities!
Vocabulary
Looking for helpful resources? Check out our toolkit. You’ll find everything.
pharmacy
A place where medicine is dispensed.
Pharmacist
A pharmacist is a healthcare professional who prepares, dispenses and provides advice on medication. They ensure safe use of drugs.
Medication
Used to cure, treat or prevent disease, can be in different forms tablets, capsules, liquids, creams and patches.
Prescription
A written order from a healthcare professional ie a doctor that tells a pharmacist to dispense a medicine to a patient. It includes amount to take.
Day in the life of a Pharmacist | Meet Our Pharmacy Team | Boots
Ever wondered what a pharmacist does? Meet Jay, a pharmacist at Boots, as he takes you through a day in his life!
Questionnaire
Looking for support on-the-go?
Download Our Toolkit
A range of useful printable templates to help you become organised and prepared for each lifeguide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have any questions just ask !
How can I find out if my prescriptions are free?
https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/dont-get-caught-out-penalty-charges/check-you-tick this website has been designed to help.
In the UK, prescription charges only apply in England, as prescriptions are completely free in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. In England, you are exempt from charges if you are under 16, 60 or older, or receive certain benefits.
Age and Education
- Under 16 years old
- Aged 16, 17, or 18 and in full-time education
- Aged 60 or over
Medical and Pregnancy Exemptions (Certificates Required)
- Pregnant or had a baby in the last 12 months with a valid Maternity Exemption Certificate
- Specified long-term medical conditions (such as diabetes requiring medication, epilepsy, cancer, or a continuing physical disability preventing independent outings) with a valid Medical Exemption Certificate
- Holders of valid War Pension or Armed Forces Compensation exemption certificates for an accepted disability
Benefits and Low Income
- Receivers of Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, or income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Receivers of Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
- Receivers of Universal Credit (if net earnings during the last assessment period were £435 or less, or £935 or less if the award includes a child element or limited capability for work)
- People named on a valid HC2 certificate from the NHS Low Income Scheme
- NHS hospital inpatients
Still have questions?
Just contact us, we are happy to help.