When you request a prescription online, you can have your prescription sent electronically to a pharmacy of your choice. This is called choosing a pharmacy (it's also known as nominating a pharmacy).
Once you choose a pharmacy:
- you'll no longer need to collect paper prescriptions from your GP surgery
- your chosen pharmacy will receive your prescriptions until you change or remove it
You can choose a local pharmacy by using the NHS App or logging in to the NHS website using a web browser. You collect your prescriptions in person from a local pharmacy. They may also deliver to your home.
If you prefer to use an online-only pharmacy, which sends your prescriptions to you in the post, you must register with them through their website or contact them directly.
View a list of online-only pharmacies
If you do not choose a pharmacy, you can collect your medicines using the prescription barcode in the NHS App from any pharmacy.
Check if you have a chosen pharmacy
- Log in using the NHS App or website.
- Go to the homepage or Your health.
- Select View and manage prescriptions.
- If you already have a chosen pharmacy, you'll see its name under Your chosen pharmacy. If you do not already have a chosen pharmacy, you'll see Choose a pharmacy.
Choose a pharmacy
- Log in using the NHS App or website.
- Go to the homepage or Your health.
- Select View and manage prescriptions.
- Select Choose a pharmacy.
- Follow the instructions to choose a pharmacy.
Change your chosen pharmacy
Be aware that if you change your chosen pharmacy, any outstanding prescriptions you've requested may still arrive at your current chosen pharmacy.
- Log in using the NHS App or website.
- Go to the homepage or Your health.
- Select View and manage prescriptions.
- Select Your chosen pharmacy. You'll see the name and details of your chosen pharmacy. To change it, select Change your chosen pharmacy.
- Follow the instructions to choose a pharmacy.
Unable to view or change your chosen pharmacy
You may not be able to view or change your chosen pharmacy if:
- your prescription is dispensed by your GP surgery (your GP surgery gives you your medicines)
- you have more than one chosen pharmacy, for example if you get your prescriptions from at least 2 different medicine or medical equipment providers
Remove a chosen pharmacy
You cannot remove your chosen pharmacy using your NHS App . You will need to contact your GP surgery and ask them to remove your chosen pharmacy for you.
Collect or receive your prescription
If you have a chosen pharmacy, you may be able to see when your prescription is ready to collect in the NHS App.
It can take up to 3 to 5 working days for your chosen pharmacy to prepare your prescription. If you need your medicines urgently, contact the pharmacy.
Your pharmacy might ask to check your ID. We recommend that you bring photo ID when you collect your prescription.
If you do not have a chosen pharmacy, take your prescription barcode to any pharmacy of your choice and show the barcode to the pharmacist. You may have to wait while your prescription is prepared, and the pharmacy may need to order more stock before they can complete your prescription.