How to request a repeat prescription for someone else

If you’re helping a parent, partner or relative request a repeat prescription, first check how their practice accepts requests from someone else. A family relationship does not automatically give you access to another person’s health account or permission to speak for them.

Before you contact the practice

1. Check permission and access. Ask the practice what it requires when a family member or carer makes a request. Some online services require the practice to set up linked or proxy access. For example, the GP surgery must grant family and carer access in the NHS App in England. See the NHS App guidance.
2. Use the patient’s own details. Select or prepare the information for the person who needs the medicine. Include only identifiers the practice requests.
3. Check the current medicine. Copy its name and strength from the current packaging or list. If the medicine or treatment has changed, ask the practice what to do rather than guessing.
4. Say who you are. Give your own name and relationship to the patient, and explain that you’re contacting the practice on their behalf.
5. Follow the practice’s channel and delivery instructions. Don’t assume email is accepted or that a preferred pharmacy or delivery option is available.

Don’t use someone else’s password or online account unless the service explicitly instructs you to. Keep sensitive details within a contact method accepted by the practice.

Message template for requesting a prescription for a family member

Subject: Repeat prescription request for [patient name]

Hello [practice or clinician name],

I’m [your name], [relationship to the patient], contacting you
on [patient name]’s behalf.

Please review a repeat prescription request for:
[medicine name and strength]
[add another medicine, if needed]

[Add only the patient details requested by the practice.]
[Add a preferred pharmacy or collection method, if relevant.]

Please let me know if you need the patient to confirm this request
or provide any other information.

Kind regards,
[your name and contact details]

Use wording that accurately describes the patient’s permission and your access. If the practice needs to speak with the patient directly or set up representative access first, follow its instructions.

What if the medicine or treatment has changed?

A repeat request is for the practice to review. If the patient’s medicine, strength or treatment has changed, or you’re unsure what should be requested, contact the practice directly. Don’t change the request based on a guess.

Keeping a family member’s request organized

Ernst lets you keep separate profiles and medicine lists, then prepare a message for you to review and hand off through your chosen communication app. It does not grant access to another person’s health account or replace the practice’s rules. Saved profiles and medicine lists stay on your device; the optional photo scan processes the medicine photo online. See the privacy policy for details.

More: Ernst for patients · Repeat prescription email template · Help and common questions