Scholes Site – Dispensary Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a community pharmacy and a dispensary?

A community pharmacy is run by a pharmacist and a trained pharmacy team. In addition to dispensing prescriptions for patients of any surgery, community pharmacies can:

• Provide advice and recommend ‘over the counter’ medicines, including those which require a pharmacist’s supervision.
• Offer expert advice about medicines, disposal of unwanted medicines, and healthy living.
• Deliver services such as treatment for minor illnesses without the need for an appointment.

Every pharmacy must operate under the management of a responsible pharmacist, who can only oversee one pharmacy at a time.

A dispensary at a GP surgery is typically staffed by dispensing assistants. There is usually no pharmacist present, and the legal and clinical responsibility for dispensing lies with the doctors.

Dispensaries:

• Can only dispense medicines listed on a prescription.
• Cannot sell ‘over the counter’ medicines.
• May only dispense to patients registered with the practice who live more than 1.6 km (1 mile) from a pharmacy.

🔗 Visit www.nhs.uk for pharmacy opening times and services. Patients can choose which pharmacy they wish to use.

Why can’t Scholes dispensary be made into a community pharmacy?

Under NHS contracting regulations, a GP surgery dispensary cannot be converted into a community pharmacy. They are fundamentally different services with separate operational and legal frameworks.

When the dispensary at Scholes Surgery closes, how will I get my medication?

When your GP writes a prescription, you have several options:

• It can be sent electronically to a community pharmacy of your choice.
• You can receive a printed prescription to take to your chosen pharmacy.
• Some local pharmacies may offer a delivery service.
• You can use distance selling pharmacies (internet pharmacies) that operate remotely.

Manston & Scholes Surgery will use the information you provided in the survey to work with local pharmacies and ensure your needs are met.

I’m on a ‘controlled drug’ – can these be sent electronically?

Yes. Prescriptions for controlled drugs can now be sent electronically to your chosen pharmacy. Alternatively, you can take the prescription by hand if that’s more convenient.

Why is the dispensary closing earlier than the Scholes site?

We had planned to close the dispensary on 1 April 2026, in line with the Scholes site closure. However, due to a computer system change, we must align the dispensary closure with this transition. Our contract requires 3 months’ notice, during which we’ll work closely with you to ensure continuity of medication access.

I’m worried I won’t be able to get my medication without the local dispensary.

There are 11 pharmacies within 2 miles of Scholes Surgery, offering a wide range of options. Some may offer delivery services. You can work with the practice to choose the best pharmacy for your needs.

Pharmacies within 2 Miles of Scholes Surgery