NHS Services & Rules
What is a nominated pharmacy?
By Pick My Pharmacy Editorial · Updated 9 July 2026
How nomination works
When you nominate a pharmacy, your GP sends your repeat and new prescriptions electronically straight to that pharmacy through the NHS Electronic Prescription Service. The pharmacy prepares your medication ready for collection or delivery, so you skip the step of picking up a paper prescription and dropping it off yourself.
Who can nominate a pharmacy
Anyone registered with a GP practice in England can nominate a pharmacy. It's particularly useful if you take regular repeat medication, since it removes an extra step each time your prescription is due.
Changing your nominated pharmacy
You can change your nomination at any time, for any reason — moving house, wanting home delivery, or simply preferring a different pharmacy. Most pharmacies can update your nomination in a couple of minutes, and some GP practices let you do it through the NHS App.
People Also Ask
Do I have to nominate a pharmacy?
No, it's entirely optional. You can still take a paper prescription or ask your GP to print one for any pharmacy of your choice each time.
Can I nominate an online pharmacy?
Yes, many GPhC-registered online pharmacies accept nominations and will post your medication to you, often for free.
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This article is general information for UK patients, not medical advice, and NHS rules and charges change — confirm current rules on nhs.uk or speak to a pharmacist or GP before acting. For urgent medical help call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency. Price figures are indicative benchmarks from ourmethodology.