If you use NHS electronic prescriptions in England, you can choose where your prescriptions are sent. This is called nominating a pharmacy. Your nomination is your choice, it is not compulsory, and you can change it when your circumstances change. If you are in Chingford, you can manage your chosen pharmacy through the NHS App or NHS website, or ask an EPS-enabled pharmacy or your GP practice for help.
The important point is that nomination controls where an electronic prescription is sent. It does not mean the medicine is automatically ready, it does not guarantee home delivery, and it does not prevent you from using a different pharmacy when an appropriate one-off or non-nominated prescription is arranged.
What does nominating a pharmacy mean?
The NHS Electronic Prescription Service (EPS) allows a prescriber to send a prescription electronically to a dispenser, such as a community pharmacy. When you nominate a pharmacy, that pharmacy becomes your regular chosen destination for applicable NHS electronic prescriptions.
You do not have to choose the pharmacy nearest your GP surgery, and you should not be pressured to select a particular pharmacy. NHS nomination standards are based on patient choice. A regular nomination is often convenient for people who use the same pharmacy for repeat medicines, but it remains your decision.
How to nominate a pharmacy for electronic prescriptions
For many patients, the simplest route is to choose or change a pharmacy in the NHS App. You can also manage your chosen pharmacy through the NHS website when signed in to your NHS account.
- Open the NHS App and select Prescriptions.
- If you do not already have a chosen pharmacy, select Choose a pharmacy.
- Search for the pharmacy you want to use and follow the on-screen instructions.
- Check the pharmacy shown under Your chosen pharmacy before you request your next prescription.
NHS Digital also states that a patient can ask for a nomination to be set or changed at an EPS site, including a pharmacy or the GP practice they are registered with. Staff should explain what nomination means and must only make the change when the patient has requested it.
How electronic prescriptions are sent
Once a prescriber issues an EPS prescription, the prescription information is sent securely through NHS systems. If a regular pharmacy nomination applies, the prescription is routed to that chosen dispenser. The pharmacy can then download the prescription and begin the dispensing process.
Nomination removes the need to collect a paper prescription from the GP surgery in many situations, but it is only one step in the process. The prescriber still needs to issue the prescription, and the pharmacy still needs to receive, check and dispense it.
How to change or remove your nominated pharmacy
You can change your nominated pharmacy at any time. If possible, make the change before you request your next repeat prescription. This reduces the chance of a prescription already being routed to the pharmacy you previously used.
In the NHS App, open Prescriptions, select Your chosen pharmacy, then choose Change your chosen pharmacy and follow the instructions. NHS guidance warns that outstanding prescriptions you have already requested may still arrive at your previous pharmacy.
If you want to remove a nomination entirely, the NHS App currently directs patients to contact their GP surgery. NHS Digital’s wider EPS standards also state that nominations can be set, changed or removed at an EPS site at the patient’s request. If you are unsure which route applies to an outstanding prescription, ask your GP practice or pharmacy before requesting another supply.
What happens to repeat prescriptions when you change pharmacy?
A regular nomination is especially relevant to repeat prescriptions because future electronic prescriptions will normally be sent to the pharmacy recorded as your current choice. This does not mean the pharmacy orders every repeat for you automatically; the way repeat medicines are requested depends on your GP practice and your own prescription arrangement.
If you are using electronic repeat dispensing, changing your nomination can also affect prescriptions in the existing repeat cycle that have not yet been downloaded. NHS Digital advises that undownloaded prescriptions can move to the new nomination. If a nomination is removed during an electronic repeat dispensing cycle, you may need to contact your GP for a new prescription. If you are midway through a repeat cycle, it is sensible to check before changing anything.
What pharmacy nomination does not guarantee
Nomination is useful, but it is not the same as a guarantee that a medicine is ready or that another service has been arranged. In particular, nomination does not by itself guarantee:
- that your GP or other prescriber has issued the prescription;
- that the pharmacy has already downloaded or dispensed it;
- that every item is currently in stock;
- that a medicine is clinically suitable for you;
- that home delivery is automatically included; or
- that you must use the same pharmacy permanently.
If home delivery is what you need, that is a separate service arrangement. You can read about free prescription delivery in Chingford or contact the pharmacy to confirm what is available and whether any restrictions apply.
Can you use a different pharmacy for one prescription?
Yes. Having a regular nominated pharmacy does not remove your right to choose another dispenser. NHS EPS supports one-off and non-nominated prescription routes in appropriate circumstances. If you know in advance that you need a different pharmacy, for example because you are away from home, ask the prescriber about the most suitable option or change your nomination before requesting the prescription.
If the prescription has already been issued, do not assume another pharmacy can immediately access it. The prescription may already have been routed to or downloaded by the original pharmacy. Contact the pharmacy or prescriber so they can check where the prescription is and explain the next step.
Prescription support in Chingford
Mount Pharmacy is located at 80 Chingford Mount Road, Chingford, London E4 9AA. Its NHS profile lists prescription services, and the pharmacy’s website provides information about EPS, repeat prescriptions and prescription support.
If you decide that Mount Pharmacy is the right pharmacy for you, the team can explain how prescription arrangements work and help you understand the next steps. You remain free to choose any pharmacy that suits your needs. For broader prescription or delivery information, see prescription support at Mount Pharmacy. If you need help with an existing prescription, you can also contact Mount Pharmacy.
Frequently asked questions
How do I nominate a pharmacy for electronic prescriptions?
You can choose a pharmacy in the NHS App or through the NHS website. NHS Digital also states that patients can ask an EPS-enabled pharmacy or their GP practice to set a nomination. The choice must be yours.
Can I change my nominated pharmacy?
Yes. You can change your chosen pharmacy at any time. The NHS App lets you change your chosen pharmacy, and NHS Digital says EPS sites such as pharmacies and GP practices can also update a nomination at the patient’s request. It is best to make the change before requesting your next prescription.
Do I need to nominate a pharmacy for every prescription?
No. Nomination is not mandatory. If you set a regular nominated pharmacy, applicable electronic prescriptions will normally be sent there until you change or remove the nomination. Prescribers can also use one-off or non-nominated EPS routes in appropriate situations.
Does nomination mean my medicine is automatically ready?
No. Nomination tells the NHS where to send an electronic prescription; it does not mean the prescription has been issued, downloaded, dispensed or is ready to collect. The pharmacy may still need time to process the prescription or obtain stock.
Can I collect a prescription from a different pharmacy?
Yes, but do not assume that an already-issued prescription sent to your nominated pharmacy can simply be collected elsewhere. If you know you need a different pharmacy, change your nomination before requesting the prescription or ask the prescriber whether a one-off or non-nominated electronic prescription is appropriate. If a prescription has already been issued, contact the pharmacy or prescriber for help locating or redirecting it.
A practical point before your next prescription
If you are planning to change pharmacy, make the change before requesting your next prescription where possible and then check which pharmacy is shown in your NHS account. If a prescription has already been requested, confirm where it has been sent before travelling to collect it.
Important information
This page explains NHS prescription administration and EPS nomination in general terms. It is not personalised medical advice and does not confirm that a particular prescription has been issued, is ready, or can be supplied. If you are worried about running out of an important medicine, contact your GP practice or pharmacy promptly for advice.
Need help with your prescription arrangements?
For prescription support in Chingford, contact Mount Pharmacy or review the prescription services page. If you want to choose or change a pharmacy yourself, you can use the NHS App guidance.
