Whether you have moved house, found a pharmacy with better opening hours, or simply prefer the service at a different branch, transferring your prescriptions is one of the most common requests pharmacists handle. The process is straightforward, but the exact steps depend on how your prescriptions are currently managed.
Understanding How Prescriptions Work in England
Before transferring, it helps to understand the two main prescription systems:
Electronic Prescriptions (EPS)
The vast majority of prescriptions in England are now sent electronically from your GP surgery directly to a pharmacy. This is called the Electronic Prescription Service (EPS). When you have a nominated pharmacy, your GP's system sends your prescriptions there automatically — you simply walk in and collect them.
Paper Prescriptions
Some prescriptions are still issued on paper — for instance, controlled drugs such as certain painkillers, some hospital outpatient prescriptions, or prescriptions from private doctors. Paper prescriptions can be taken to any pharmacy; there is nothing to "transfer".
How to Change Your Nominated Pharmacy
Option 1: Ask Your New Pharmacy (Easiest)
Walk into the pharmacy you want to switch to and ask them to become your nominated pharmacy. The pharmacist or dispenser can update your nomination electronically using the NHS Spine — the central NHS database that connects GP surgeries, pharmacies, and hospitals.
You will need:
- Your name and date of birth
- Your NHS number (if you know it — the pharmacy can look it up)
- Verbal confirmation that you want to change
The change takes effect immediately for future prescriptions. Any prescriptions already sent to your old pharmacy will remain there until collected or until they expire.
Option 2: Ask Your GP Surgery
You can call or visit your GP surgery and ask them to change your nominated pharmacy on their system. The receptionist can do this — you do not need a doctor's appointment.
Option 3: Use the NHS App
If you manage your prescriptions through the NHS App, you can change your nominated pharmacy directly:
- Open the NHS App
- Go to Prescriptions > Manage nominated pharmacy
- Search for your new pharmacy by name or postcode
- Confirm the change
The update syncs with the NHS Spine and your GP surgery.
What Happens to Prescriptions Already Issued
| Scenario | What happens |
|---|---|
| Prescription already sent to old pharmacy (not yet collected) | Collect it from the old pharmacy, or ask them to return it so it can be resent to the new one |
| Repeat prescription due but not yet ordered | The next one will go to your new nominated pharmacy |
| Paper prescription in your possession | Take it to whichever pharmacy you prefer |
| Controlled drug prescription | These are paper prescriptions — take to any pharmacy |
If a prescription has already been dispensed and you have collected part of an owing (a medicine the pharmacy did not have in stock), you will need to collect the remaining items from the original pharmacy unless they cancel and reissue.
Common Questions
Can I use more than one pharmacy?
Yes. Your nominated pharmacy receives your electronic prescriptions by default, but you can ask your GP to send individual prescriptions to a different pharmacy if needed. You can also take paper prescriptions to any pharmacy.
Do I need to tell my old pharmacy?
No. There is no formal process for notifying your previous pharmacy. Once your nomination changes, new prescriptions simply stop arriving there.
Will my new pharmacy have my medication history?
Your new pharmacy can access your Summary Care Record (with your consent), which shows your current medications, allergies, and adverse reactions. However, they will not have a record of previous dispensing at your old pharmacy unless you transfer within the same chain (some chains share dispensing records across branches).
How long does the transfer take?
The nomination change is instant on the NHS Spine. Your next prescription will be sent to the new pharmacy.
Can I change back?
Yes. You can change your nominated pharmacy as often as you like. There is no limit.
What if I am in hospital?
Hospital discharge prescriptions are typically dispensed by the hospital pharmacy or sent to your nominated community pharmacy. If you want them sent elsewhere, tell the hospital pharmacy team before discharge.
Tips for a Smooth Transfer
- Collect any outstanding prescriptions from your old pharmacy before switching, especially items on order or owing
- Check opening hours at your new pharmacy — use PharmSee's pharmacy search to compare opening times and services
- Let the new pharmacy know about any special requirements — for instance, if you use a dosette box (compliance aid) or need a specific brand of medicine
- Update the NHS App if you use it for ordering repeat prescriptions
Finding the Right Pharmacy for You
With over 13,000 community pharmacies in England, there are more options than most people realise. PharmSee's pharmacy finder lets you search by postcode and compare pharmacies in your area. The location analysis tool shows pharmacy density around any English postcode, and the job listings page indicates which pharmacies are actively recruiting — a potential indicator of pharmacies investing in service quality.
Sources: NHS Digital — Electronic Prescription Service; NHS.uk — How to find a pharmacy; NHS App — Managing your nominated pharmacy.