HONITON Surgery is to stop accepting repeat prescriptions over the telephone from August 1.

HONITON Surgery is to stop accepting repeat prescriptions over the telephone from August 1.The surgery believes a new, streamlined system will be safer for patients.A spokesperson said: "The pharmacists have staff who are particularly well trained in handling medication requests. Some telephone messages to the surgery are not clear and can involve a great deal of time and effort in checking and chasing up correct drug details and the correct dosages. "This system will reduce the number of phone calls to the surgery. It will be easier for patients phoning for appointments, advice or in urgent need of help to get through."Together with other practices in the area and nationally, we have been encouraging people not to ring for prescriptions. We now intend to take this further as it has been found to lead to safer prescribing and improved telephone access."GPs at the surgery say patients' health is their top priority and that they are just asking people to think a little further ahead so they avoid the prospect of running out of medication.Patients receiving their medication on a repeat basis will follow the same process as normal. Repeat slips can be handed into a chemist, the surgery or sent in by post. Medication will be available for collection at the pharmacy of each patient's choice within three working days. Requests for medication which patients do not have on repeat prescription, but have been given in the past, can be obtained in the following ways: phone your pharmacist; fax the surgery; pick up one of the new medication request forms from reception or in your pharmacy; or email via the surgery website.