Emergency Medicine Service
Our teams are professionally trained to provide you with the highest standard of treatments and services, so every time you visit, you leave with a positive experience.
Our teams are professionally trained to provide you with the highest standard of treatments and services, so every time you visit, you leave with a positive experience.
Running out of essential medication can be stressful and potentially dangerous, especially if you rely on daily prescriptions to manage a long-term health condition. The Emergency Medicine Service at Allied Pharmacies ensures you can access an urgent supply of your regular medication when you are unable to obtain a prescription from your GP. Whether your surgery is closed, you are away from home, or you have simply run out of your repeat medication unexpectedly, our pharmacists can provide an emergency supply to keep you safe and healthy until you can arrange a new prescription.
The Emergency Medicine Service allows community pharmacists to supply certain prescription-only medications without a prescription in urgent situations. Under the Human Medicines Regulations 2012, pharmacists have the legal authority to provide an emergency supply at the request of a patient, provided specific conditions are met. This service is designed to bridge the gap between running out of medication and obtaining a new prescription from your GP, ensuring that patients are not left without essential treatment.
At Allied Pharmacies, our experienced pharmacists will verify your identity, confirm your medication history, and supply an appropriate quantity to cover the emergency period. This service is available during pharmacy opening hours, including evenings and weekends at many of our branches, providing vital access to medication when GP surgeries are closed.
There are many situations where you may need an emergency supply of your medication. Common scenarios include:
If you find yourself in any of these situations, visit your nearest Allied Pharmacies branch and speak to one of our pharmacists. We will assess your needs and provide an emergency supply wherever possible.
Pharmacists can supply most prescription-only medicines as an emergency supply, provided the pharmacist is satisfied that there is an immediate need and it is not practical for you to obtain a prescription. This includes medications for conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, epilepsy, thyroid conditions, mental health conditions, and many other long-term health needs.
However, there are some medications that cannot be supplied under the emergency supply regulations. Controlled drugs in Schedules 1, 2, and 3 are generally excluded, with the exception of phenobarbital or phenobarbital sodium for the treatment of epilepsy. Our pharmacist will explain any limitations and, if a particular medication cannot be supplied, will advise you on the best course of action to obtain it urgently, which may include contacting NHS 111 or visiting an out-of-hours GP service.
The quantity of medication supplied in an emergency is limited to the smallest quantity that will provide an adequate course of treatment. For most medications, this is typically up to 30 days' supply. However, for certain medicines such as insulin, inhalers, or creams, the pharmacist may supply the smallest available pack size. Our pharmacist will explain exactly how much medication you are receiving and how long it should last, and will advise you to contact your GP as soon as possible to arrange a new prescription for your ongoing supply.
For a pharmacist to provide an emergency supply, certain conditions must be met under the Human Medicines Regulations. The pharmacist must be satisfied that there is an immediate need for the medication, that it is impractical for you to obtain a prescription without undue delay, and that you have been prescribed the medication before. You will need to provide details of your medication, including the name, strength, and dosage. If possible, bring your previous medication packaging, a repeat prescription slip, or any documentation that confirms what you have been prescribed.
A charge may apply for emergency supplies, as this service is not always covered by the NHS. Our pharmacists will inform you of any costs before dispensing. The pharmacist will also make a record of the emergency supply and may notify your GP to ensure continuity of care.
Accessing an emergency supply of medication at Allied Pharmacies is simple. Visit any of our branches and speak to a pharmacist. No appointment is required. Our pharmacist will ask you a few questions to confirm your identity, medication details, and the reason for the emergency request. The process is usually completed within a short visit, so you can get your medication and carry on with your day without unnecessary disruption.
While the Emergency Medicine Service covers most routine repeat medications, there are times when you should seek urgent medical advice rather than relying on an emergency supply. If you are experiencing new or worsening symptoms, have missed several doses of a critical medication such as insulin or anti-epilepsy drugs, or are unsure about your dosage, it is important to speak to a healthcare professional. Our pharmacists can advise you on whether an emergency supply is appropriate or whether you need to contact NHS 111, visit an urgent care centre, or attend A&E.
While the Emergency Medicine Service is available when you need it, taking steps to manage your repeat prescriptions proactively can help you avoid running out of medication in the future. Consider the following tips to stay on top of your prescriptions:
Our pharmacists at Allied Pharmacies are happy to help you set up systems to manage your repeat prescriptions more effectively, reducing the likelihood of needing emergency supplies in the future.
Allied Pharmacies provides a reliable and accessible Emergency Medicine Service across our network of community pharmacies. Our key advantages include:
You may also be interested in these related services at Allied Pharmacies:
Visit your nearest Allied Pharmacies branch for an urgent supply of your regular medication. Our pharmacists are here to help you access essential treatments when your GP surgery is closed or a prescription is not available. For more information about pharmacy services, visit the NHS prescriptions and pharmacies guide.
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