Prescription Services
All your medicine needs in one place
We dispense NHS and private prescriptions, we provide a professional and reliable service to ensure you receive the medication you need.
Not a patient of Rowlands? Switching to us is an easy as 1, 2, 3!
At Rowlands Pharmacy we believe in delivering high quality health related advice, services and products to improve the well-being of our local communities. Our fully qualified pharmacists are on hand to listen, advise and answer any queries or concerns that you have about your medicines, we do our utmost best to care for you and your family.
Prescriptions are a vital part of healthcare in the UK, allowing patients to access the medicines they need through the NHS. While the core principles of the NHS are shared across the UK, the way prescriptions are managed and funded varies between England, Scotland, and Wales. From who pays for prescriptions to the availability of special schemes, it's important to understand how the system works in your country to make the most of your healthcare benefits.
| Country | Cost | Free Prescriptions | Additional Information |
| England | £9.90 per item |
Yes, for eligible groups (e.g. under 16, over 60, pregnant, low income, etc.) Did you know you may be eligible to apply for a medical exemption certificate? |
Prescription prepayment certificate
|
| Scotland | Free | Yes, for all residents | If you present an English prescription in Scotland, you may be charged the English rate unless you're exempt in England. Prescriptions from Wales, Northern Ireland, or the Isle of Man are dispensed for free in Scotland. |
| Wales | Free | Yes, for all residents | If you live in England but are registered with a Welsh GP and use a Welsh pharmacy, you can still get prescriptions for free. |
Electronic prescriptions bring a host of benefits to patients, healthcare providers, and pharmacies alike, whilst GPs in England have been using the Electronic Prescription Service (EPS) for some time, more and more pharmacies in Wales are now using EPS, and Scotland is actively implementing their own version of EPS through the Digital Prescribing and Dispensing Pathways (DPDP) programme.
By sending prescriptions directly to a nominated pharmacy, it eliminates the need for paper scripts and reduces waiting times, making life easier, especially for those with long-term conditions or mobility challenges. It also enhances safety by minimising errors from handwriting or lost documents, and streamlines processes for GPs and pharmacists, freeing up time for patient care. With better tracking, reduced paperwork, and a smaller environmental footprint, electronic prescriptions are a smarter, safer, and more sustainable way to manage medicines.
Get your prescription sent to Rowlands Pharmacy directly, saving you the time and trouble of collecting it. We all know how easy it is to forget to order repeat prescription medication, life just gets in the way and before you know it you are running short or have run out. Let us do the hard work for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are pharmacies open Saturday?
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We know that many of our patients work long hours and may not have the time to pick up their prescriptions during the week. This is why some of our pharmacies are open on Saturdays for patients to pick up their medication without the stress.
Find out if your local Rowlands Pharmacy is open on Saturdays here.
Can someone else pick up my prescription?
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If for whatever reason you cannot visit us in-store to collect your prescription medication, someone else can collect it for you as long as you've given them consent to do so. Your pharmacist may contact you to check to make sure you've given proper permission.
Who can issue an NHS prescription?
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Prescriptions can be issued by GPs, nurse prescribers, pharmacist prescribers, dentists, and other qualified healthcare professionals registered with the NHS.
Can I choose which pharmacy to collect my prescription from?
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Yes. You can nominate a pharmacy of your choice, especially if you use the Electronic Prescription Service (EPS). This allows your prescriptions to be sent directly to your chosen pharmacy.
How much do prescriptions cost in England?
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As of 2025, each NHS prescription item in England costs £9.90.
Who is eligible for free prescriptions?
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All residents in Scotland and Wales are eligible for free prescriptions.
In England you may qualify for free prescriptions if you are:
- Under 16, or 16–18 and in full-time education
- Over 60
- Pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months
- On certain benefits or have a valid medical exemption certificate
What is a Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC) and how do I get one?
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A PPC allows you to pay a fixed fee for unlimited prescriptions over a set period (e.g., 3 or 12 months).
How do I nominate a pharmacy for electronic prescriptions?
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You can nominate a pharmacy through your GP practice or via the NHS App. Once nominated, your prescriptions will be sent there automatically.
Can I change my nominated pharmacy?
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Yes, you can change your nominated pharmacy at any time by speaking to your GP or updating your preferences in the NHS App.
Is EPS available in Scotland and Wales?
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More and more pharmacies in Wales are now using EPS, and Scotland is actively implementing their own version of EPS through the Digital Prescribing and Dispensing Pathways (DPDP) programme.
Can I use a prescription from England in Scotland or Wales?
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Yes, but you may be charged the English prescription fee unless you qualify for free prescriptions under English rules.
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