Prescription Services

All your medicine needs in one place

At Rowlands Pharmacy, we’re dedicated to improving the well-being of our local communities. Our fully qualified pharmacists are here to listen, guide, and answer any questions about your medicines.

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Male pharmacist handing over prescriptions to a female patient

Prescriptions in your country

Prescriptions play a key role in healthcare, helping patients access essential medicines through the NHS. However, prescription management and funding differ across England, Scotland, and Wales. To make the most of your healthcare benefits, it’s important to understand how the system works in your country, including who pays for prescriptions and the availability of special schemes.

younger man pharmacist holding prescription bag

England (£9.90 per item)

Eligible groups (e.g. under 16, over 60, pregnant, low income, etc.) can get free prescriptions with an NHS medical exemption certificate.

If you pay for your prescriptions, you can buy prescription prepayment certificates (PPCs) from the NHS, which may make your prescriptions cheaper. A 3 or 12-month PPC covers all your prescriptions for that period.

pharmacist holding boxes of medication

Scotland (Free)

Prescriptions are free 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.

pharmacist lady waving to customers

Wales (Free)

Prescriptions are free 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.

Why Electronic Prescriptions are right for you

Electronic prescriptions are here to make managing your medicines simpler, smarter, and hassle-free.

With electronic prescriptions, your prescription is sent straight to your local Rowlands Pharmacy, saving you time and effort. This is perfect for anyone with long-term conditions or mobility challenges. It’s safer too, reducing the risk of errors from messy handwriting or misplaced documents. Plus, it speeds up processes for GPs and pharmacists, so they can spend more time focusing on you. From better tracking to less paperwork and an eco-friendly approach, electronic prescriptions are a win for everyone.

Want to make life even easier?

Get your prescription sent directly to Rowlands Pharmacy. No more rushing to collect it or worrying about forgetting to order your repeat medication. We’ll handle it for you, so you never have to worry about running out.

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Female pharmacist checking prescriptions

Frequently Asked Questions

Are pharmacies open Saturday?

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?

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?

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?

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?

As of 2025, each NHS prescription item in England costs £9.90.

Who is eligible for free prescriptions?

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?

A PPC allows you to pay a fixed fee for unlimited prescriptions over a set period (e.g., 3 or 12 months). 

Find out more

How do I nominate a pharmacy for electronic prescriptions?

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?

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?

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?

Yes, but you may be charged the English prescription fee unless you qualify for free prescriptions under English rules.

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