The way to order repeat prescriptions is changing

The POD service takes requests for repeat prescriptions over the telephone.  

This service is available to patients registered at the following Modality GP practices in Walsall: 

• Collingwood Practice 
• Forrester Street Practice 
• Harden Health Centre / Blakenall Practice 
• Keys Family Practice 
• Kingfisher Berkley Practice 
• Modality Darlaston Practice 
• New Invention Practice 
• Pleck Medical Centre. 
• St John's Medical Centre. 

The POD service will close on Friday 31 May 2024. 

NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board (ICB) has decided to close the POD service from Friday 31 May 2024. The ICB agreed that service was no longer financially viable and unable to extend across the borough to make it equitable to all patients in Walsall.  

Repeat prescription ordering services are already provided by individual GP practices, who are contracted to provide these services to their patients. GP practices now have better access to pharmacist support and are better placed to provide this service. As more online repeat prescription services have become available, for example through GP websites and the national NHS App, a POD service is no longer necessary. 

You can order your repeat prescriptions using one of these methods: 

• on the NHS App  
• by logging into your NHS account at www.nhs.uk 
• by requesting a repeat prescription on your GP practice website 
• by contacting your GP practice after 10am, to avoid the morning demand for appointments, for support with your repeat prescription request. 

If you are unable to use any of these methods, please speak to a member of staff at your GP practice who will be able to discuss your options. 

Millions of repeat prescriptions are now being ordered using the NHS app. It can be used 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, wherever you are. It’s simple to use and keeps your information safe and secure. You can order and keep track of repeat prescriptions. The NHS App can be downloaded for free from your app store, find out more, go to www.nhs.uk/nhs-app/  

Once you’ve gone through the registration process, you’ll have a range of NHS services at your fingertips. Find out more online NHS App :: Black Country ICB. 

If you need help using the NHS App, please use these links for further support: 

• NHS App help and support for patients
• Walk-through videos about the NHS App from NHS Digital
• GP practices can use this NHS guidance from NHS Digital 

You can also attend a free session at the practice to learn more about the NHS App – open to patients and staff, learn how to register and navigate the NHS App. These will be promoted by your GP practice and on this webpage once they are available.

There is a range of services in the local community: 

• Walsall Connected: If you need help to get online, visit a local Walsall Connected hub at a library or community venue near you. Learn more about Walsall Connected and where to go for help at Walsall Connected - get help to get online | Walsall Council 
• Black Country Connected: If you have no/limited access to a digital device, no/limited connectivity or no/limited skills to use technology the Black Country Connected programme could help. Please contact to your healthcare provider who can make a referral on your behalf. Learn more at www.blackcountryconnected.co.uk  

If you are unable to use any of digital methods, please contact a member of staff at your GP practice who will be able to discuss your options. 

Please make sure you allow at least three working days between requesting your repeat prescription and the date when you need it. 

Your GP or clinician will sometimes need to review your request to check that the prescription is still appropriate for you. They may ask you to make an appointment to discuss your request before it is approved. 

This is because GP practices need to make sure the medicines, they prescribe for you are still appropriate, and they also have a duty to reduce medicines waste. 

Please make sure you allow at least three working days between requesting your repeat prescription and the date when you need it. 

You can continue to use the POD service to order a repeat prescription until the closing date of 31 May 2024. 

Outside of their operating hours, you will need to use alternative methods to order a repeat prescription. An answer phone message will be played on the POD service phone line to remind you of the operating hours, and alternative ways to order your repeat prescription. If you need support to order a repeat prescription, please call your GP practice. 

We encourage you to prepare for the closure of the POD service now by downloading and signing up to the NHS App, using the help guides and sessions where required. Learn more about the NHS App on our website. Once you’ve registered on the NHS App, you’ll have a range of NHS services at your fingertips.  

For general queries and support about the POD service transition, please contact the ICB’s customer services team, Time2Talk, Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays) 9am to 5pm, by calling 0300 0120 281 and selecting Option 1. 

Alternatively, you can email the team at bcicb.time2talk@nhs.net or you can contact them by writing to:  

Time2Talk 

NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board   

Civic Centre 

St Peter’s Square 

Wolverhampton 

WV1 1SH.