Prescriptions

Changing or viewing your nominated pharmacy directly inside the official NHS App takes less than two minutes. Once you save a new pharmacy, the update is sent to the central NHS system instantly, meaning any future prescriptions your GP approves will automatically route to your new choice.

Here is the exact step-by-step walkthrough:

Step 1: Access the Prescriptions Area

1. Open the NHS App on your smartphone or tablet and log in (using your face/fingerprint ID or password).

2. Look at the bottom navigation bar and tap on Services.

3. On the Services screen, select View and manage prescriptions.

Step 2: View Your Current Choice

1. On the main prescription page, you will see a section titled Your nominated pharmacy (or High street or online pharmacy).

2. Right below this heading, the app will display the name and address of the pharmacy currently linked to your GP record.

   • If it says "You do not have a nominated pharmacy," any prescriptions your GP signs must be collected via a paper slip or a digital barcode shown on your phone screen.

Step 3: Start the Change Process

1. If you want to change it, tap the link that says Change your nominated pharmacy (or Manage your nomination).

2. The app will ask you to choose between two options:

   • A high street pharmacy: Best if you prefer to walk into a local chemist near your home or work to collect your medicine.

   • An online distance-selling pharmacy: Best if you want your regular medications delivered to your home by mail.

Step 4: Search and Select Your New Pharmacy

• If you selected a High Street Pharmacy:

  1. Enter a postcode, town, or city name into the search bar.

  2. The app will generate a list of the closest physical pharmacies. Tap on a pharmacy's name to view its full address and standard opening hours.

  3. When you find the right one, tap Select this pharmacy.

• If you selected an Online Pharmacy:

  1. The app will display an alphabetical list of all registered UK online pharmacies (such as Pharmacy2U, Boots Online, etc.).

  2. Scroll through or use the search bar to find your preferred provider, then tap Select this pharmacy.

Step 5: Confirm and Save

1. The app will show a confirmation screen displaying your newly selected pharmacy's details.

2. Review the details to ensure it is the correct location or provider.

3. Tap the green Confirm or Save changes button at the bottom of the screen.

Important Things to Keep in Mind

• Timing: If you change your nomination after your GP has already approved and signed a prescription, that specific order will likely still go to your old pharmacy. It is always safest to change your nomination a few days before you request your next batch of medication.

• Acute/Urgent Medicines: Remember that changing your nomination affects all routine prescriptions. If your GP ever prescribes an urgent medicine (like an immediate course of antibiotics), tell the doctor during your consultation so they can route that single prescription to a local shop instead of your usual online delivery setup.