Can I book Private Prescription Service without seeing a GP first?

Yes. Private Prescription Service is a private service you can book directly with us, with no GP referral and no need to be registered with a nearby practice. If your needs would be better met by a GP or hospital, we will tell you clearly and point you in the right direction.

Can I have Private Prescription Service done in central Edinburgh?

Yes. Private Prescription Service is available at Forrest Pharmacy, 45 Forrest Road, Edinburgh EH1 2QP, as part of our Private Prescribing Service. We are in the city centre, a short walk from the Old Town, Southside and Newington, with bus routes stopping nearby. Opening hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Book online or call 0131 225 7770.

Can I just walk in for Private Prescription Service?

Walk-ins are welcome, and we keep appointments available each day for people who need to be seen quickly. Booking ahead, online or on 0131 225 7770, is the best way to secure a time that suits you. If you are unsure whether this is the right service, ask to speak to a pharmacist when you call.

Private Prescription Service

A private consultation and prescription for medicines not available on the NHS, or where you would simply rather be seen privately.

A pharmacist holding a box of medication

A pharmacist beside a shelf of medicines

Community pharmacies are the first point of contact for everyday healthcare.

NHS

Availability: Private service
Clinic: Private Prescribing Service
Referral: None needed
Registration: Not required
Where: 45 Forrest Road, Edinburgh EH1 2QP

Private Prescription Service, Explained

Some treatments sit outside NHS provision, including travel medication, certain preventative treatments and some medicines for specific circumstances. A private prescription is the route to those.

You are assessed properly first. A private prescription is still a clinical decision, and there will be times when the appropriate answer is that a medicine is not right for you.

Why People Choose Private Prescription Service

Same-day appointments

Usually seen the same day, without waiting for a GP appointment to come free.

Assessed by a prescriber

An independent prescribing pharmacist assesses you and can prescribe where it is appropriate.

Honest advice

If treatment is not the right answer, or you need to see a GP, we will tell you plainly.

Private consultation room

Every consultation happens behind a closed door, not at the counter.

How it Works

What Happens at Your Private Prescription Service Appointment

Book a consultation

Book online or call in. There is usually something available the same day.

Talk it through

The pharmacist asks about your symptoms, your history and anything you already take, examining you where that helps.

Agree what happens next

Where treatment is right for you, we supply it there and then. Where it is not, we explain why and point you to who can help.

Booking

Request Your Private Prescription Service Appointment

Online booking is coming soon. In the meantime, leave your details below and a member of our team will call you back to arrange a convenient time, usually the same day.

Prefer to Call?

Speak to a member of the team directly. We are happy to answer any questions and book you in over the phone.

0131 225 7770

Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Or visit us at 45 Forrest Road, Edinburgh EH1 2QP.

Private Prescription Service: Your Questions Answered

Can I book Private Prescription Service without seeing a GP first?: Yes. Private Prescription Service is a private service you can book directly with us, with no GP referral and no need to be registered with a nearby practice. If your needs would be better met by a GP or hospital, we will tell you clearly and point you in the right direction.
Can I have Private Prescription Service done in central Edinburgh?: Yes. Private Prescription Service is available at Forrest Pharmacy, 45 Forrest Road, Edinburgh EH1 2QP, as part of our Private Prescribing Service. We are in the city centre, a short walk from the Old Town, Southside and Newington, with bus routes stopping nearby. Opening hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Book online or call 0131 225 7770.
Can I just walk in for Private Prescription Service?: Walk-ins are welcome, and we keep appointments available each day for people who need to be seen quickly. Booking ahead, online or on 0131 225 7770, is the best way to secure a time that suits you. If you are unsure whether this is the right service, ask to speak to a pharmacist when you call.

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