A significant proportion of NHS consultations involve the use of medicines, and it is thought that general practitioners issue a prescription in around two-thirds of their consultations.1 Many of these prescriptions will be produced on a regular basis for patients with long-term conditions. Indeed, in UK general practice, repeat prescribing is responsible for 75% of all drugs prescribed and 80% of drug costs.2 The process for supplying repeat prescriptions has evolved over many years with patients being able to request them in person, by telephone, via the community pharmacy and on-line. While the ease of access to repeat medicines is good news for patients, there is …