Your guide to nominating a pharmacy for your prescriptions

What is a nominated pharmacy?

A nominated pharmacy is the pharmacy you choose to receive your electronic prescriptions from your GP.

In England, when your GP issues a prescription electronically through the NHS Electronic Prescription Service (EPS), it's sent directly to your nominated pharmacy. This means you don't need to collect a paper prescription from your GP surgery.

Having a nominated pharmacy can make managing repeat prescriptions easier, particularly if you take regular medication or order prescriptions frequently.

Benefits of nominating a pharmacy

Depending on the pharmacy you choose, nominating a pharmacy can help you:

• Save time by having prescriptions sent directly to your pharmacy

• Avoid collecting paper prescriptions from your GP surgery

• Make repeat prescription ordering more convenient

Access services that fit your lifestyle, whether that's local collection or home delivery

Importantly, nominating a pharmacy doesn't mean you’re limited to staying with that pharmacy permanently. You can change your nomination whenever you want or need to.

Nominating an online pharmacy

Some people choose to nominate an online pharmacy for the convenience it offers.

When you nominate an online pharmacy, your electronic prescriptions are sent directly once they're approved by your GP. Your prescription items can then be dispensed and delivered to your chosen address, so you don’t have to travel to collect them.

As with any nominated pharmacy, you remain in control and can change your nomination at any time if your circumstances change.

How to check your nominated pharmacy

Not sure which pharmacy is currently nominated for your prescriptions? There are a few ways to check:

Ask your GP surgery
Your GP practice can tell you which pharmacy is currently linked to your prescriptions.

Ask a pharmacy
A pharmacy that provides NHS dispensing services can usually, with your consent, check whether you have a nominated pharmacy and tell you which one it is.

Check in the NHS app
If you use the NHS app, you can see your chosen pharmacy under the prescriptions section of your account. Depending on your GP surgery, you may also be able to do things like check the progress of your prescriptions and see your medicines record in the NHS app.

Check your online pharmacy account
If you use an online pharmacy, your account may show whether you're currently nominated with them.

How to change your nominated pharmacy
You can change your nominated pharmacy at any time. There is no charge to change your nomination. Usual NHS prescription charges may still apply where relevant.

Through the NHS app
The NHS app lets you set-up a nominated pharmacy if you don’t have one, or change your existing chosen pharmacy. Visit your prescriptions page in the app, select ‘Your chosen pharmacy’, and follow the on-screen instructions to choose.

Through your existing pharmacy
Simply ask your preferred pharmacy to set up or change your nomination. They can usually do this for you during registration or when ordering your prescriptions.

Through your GP surgery
Your GP surgery can update your nominated pharmacy on your behalf.

If you switch to an online pharmacy
If you decide to use an online pharmacy, they may be able to help arrange the nomination change as part of the sign-up process.

It's a good idea to allow enough time for your nomination to be updated before requesting your next prescription, particularly if you're changing pharmacies close to the date your medicine is due.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to nominate a pharmacy?
No. Nominating a pharmacy is optional. However, it can make receiving repeat prescriptions more convenient because your prescriptions are sent directly to your chosen pharmacy. 

Can I change my nominated pharmacy?
Yes. You can change your nominated pharmacy at any time, as many times as you need to. You can switch between local pharmacies, or try an online pharmacy.  

Will my prescriptions automatically go to my nominated pharmacy?
Usually. Once your nomination is set up, electronic prescriptions issued by your GP will typically be sent directly to your nominated pharmacy. 

Can I nominate an online pharmacy?
Yes. Online pharmacies can be nominated in the same way as many community pharmacies that offer NHS dispensing services. 

What happens if I move house?
If you move or your circumstances change, you can update your nominated pharmacy at any time to ensure your prescriptions continue to be sent to the most convenient location. 

What if I need a prescription sent somewhere else?
Ask your GP surgery whether it can send this prescription to another pharmacy as a one-off. If you have already requested it, check where it has been sent before travelling or changing your nomination. 

Does nominating a pharmacy affect my GP care?
No. Nominating a pharmacy simply tells the NHS where to send your electronic prescriptions. It doesn't affect the care or treatment you receive from your GP.