Prescribing policy

The principles we prescribe by

Every prescription from Cheshire Clinics is issued by a GMC-registered GP after a consultation in which the doctor has taken a history, confirmed who you are, and satisfied themselves that the medicine is appropriate and safe. We follow the GMC's guidance on good practice in prescribing and managing medicines, NICE guidance and the British National Formulary. Where remote prescribing is not appropriate, we say so and direct you to the right route.

Before anything is prescribed

• Identity is verified at the start of the consultation.

• With your consent, the doctor may view your NHS Summary Care Record to check current medicines and allergies.

• You are asked about other medicines, supplements, allergies, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and relevant conditions.

• A prescription is not issued if the doctor considers the medicine unsafe, unnecessary or better managed by your NHS GP, and the reason is explained.

How prescriptions are sent

Prescriptions are issued electronically through SignatureRx to a pharmacy of your choice, normally within minutes of the consultation ending. The pharmacy dispenses and charges for the medicine. We do not dispense, deliver, stock or profit from any medicine we prescribe, so there is no financial interest in the decision.

Controlled drugs

• We do not prescribe Schedule 2 or Schedule 3 controlled drugs, which include strong opioids, stimulant medicines for ADHD, and Schedule 3 medicines such as temazepam, tramadol, gabapentin and pregabalin. Patients who need these medicines are directed to their NHS GP or a specialist service.

• Schedule 4 and 5 controlled medicines may be prescribed with caution, never initiated remotely, only after the Summary Care Record has been checked, and only where there is a clear clinical need and an established treatment plan.

• We do not prescribe any controlled drug for a patient we cannot identify or whose record we cannot check.

Antibiotics and antimicrobial stewardship

Antibiotics are prescribed only where the doctor judges a bacterial infection likely and treatment worthwhile, in line with NICE and UK Health Security Agency guidance. Many common infections do not need them, and the doctor will explain why when that is the case.

Repeat prescriptions and monitoring

Repeat prescriptions for stable, long-term medicines can be issued where it is clinically appropriate and you are within the monitoring interval for that medicine. Members can request a repeat without booking an appointment; pay-as-you-go patients book a consultation. Where a review or a blood test is due, we will ask for it before reissuing. High-risk medicines that require regular monitoring are best managed by the prescriber who holds the full record, usually your NHS GP, and we will say so.

Medicines we do not prescribe remotely

• Any medicine that needs a physical examination or an investigation we cannot arrange before it can be safely started.

• Unlicensed or off-label medicines except where there is clear guidance supporting their use and you have been told.

• Medicines requested for someone other than the patient in the consultation.

Private prescriptions and cost

There is no charge for writing a prescription; it is included in the consultation fee. On a private prescription you pay the pharmacy the cost of the medicine plus a dispensing fee. For many common medicines that is a few pounds; for some it is more, and the doctor will tell you where a cheaper NHS route exists.

Audit and safety

Prescribing is audited regularly, significant events are reviewed, and prescribing decisions are recorded in the clinical record with the reasoning. Concerns about a prescription can be raised at hello@cheshireclinics.com or 0330 113 1874.