Repeat Prescriptions for Under 16’s

People of all ages require a repeat prescription, so we want to accommodate as many people as we can. To do this, we’ve added under 16’s to the linked patient feature so that you can easily order and manage medication on behalf of a minor.

In case you’re not already aware, one of the great benefits of using Hey Pharmacist is that you have the ability to add up to 5 more patients to your account, so you can take care of your loved ones, as well as yourself, all in one place. By including under 16s to this, you can now also keep track of your children’s medication, too!

Woman on Hey Pharmacist on her tablet with children watching

This feature is incredibly handy for parents and carers who have children on a repeat prescription. Being able to order and manage their medication within a few taps takes the pressure off you, and lets you get back to what matters most.

How to add under 16s to your account

To add a patient that is under 16 to your account, you must acquire their access code, or linkage letter, from their GP practice. This feature is called 'linked profiles'

An access code is what we use to link to GP surgeries with a secure NHS connection. The access code is usually provided via a piece of paper and includes:

  • A ‘linkage key’ (‘passphrase’)
  • An ODS code (‘practice ID’ or ‘organisation code’)
  • An account ID

Once you have these codes, you'll just need to tap on 'Add profiles' on your account and follow the instructions.

You can easily unlink a profile by updating your settings in the app.

Watch the video below for a step by step guide on how to add under 16s to your Hey Pharmacist account:

Why do I have to collect the prescriptions of under 16s?

If you order medication through Hey Pharmacist on behalf of some under 16, you will be required to collect the medication and won’t have the option to choose home delivery.

Regulations state that a healthcare professional needs to be able to assess that the minor or guardian is capable of administrating the medicine. At this point in time, the only way to follow these regulations is by collecting the prescription from a pharmacy.

As always, our Patient Experience Team are ready to help you with any queries. You can contact them by tapping the 'help' button in the app, the messenger icon on the web or by emailing help@heypharmacist.co.uk.