All my prescriptions, apart from Controlled Drug Prescriptions, are electronic.

I use the following platforms

  • Pharmacierge
    • I create, authorise and transfer e-Prescriptions through the Pharmacierge e-Prescription platform compatible with the practice management systems I operate, DGL Practice Manager
    • All technology and services are compliant with all GPhC, GDPR and e-Prescribing regulations.
  • ZenRx
    • ZenRx uses an Advanced Electronic Signature, secure server and two Factor Authentication which replaces the need for paper prescriptions
  • I also operate a paperless, digital prescription service for all private prescriptions (using a remote digital signature certificate, also known as a Qualified Cloud Signature, Certified by Adobe Sign, a Document Cloud solution, prod-eu-central-1-hsm2 EU Qualified Electronic Seal CA G2)
    • This is via an EU Qualified Electronic Signature that complies with the UK eIDAS Regulations requirements for qualified trust services eIDAS
    • Prescriptions are no longer posted to pharmacies that do not accept this service.
  • There are no paper copies posted to pharmacies
  • This excludes FP10 Scheduled (Controlled) drugs detailed below.
  • Please check with your local pharmacy that they are willing accept these prescriptions, without any hard copy being posted

Prescriptions for Controlled Drugs

  • Electronic prescriptions do not apply to Class A, Class B and Class C drugs as detailed on ControlledDrugsandDrugDependenceRegulationandClassification
    • The Department of Health and the Scottish Government have issued a strong recommendation that the maximum quantity of Schedule 2, 3 or 4 Controlled Drugs prescribed should not exceed 30 days*
    • The only exception is if there is a justifiable clinical need and after consideration of any risk.
  • A prescription can be issued for a longer period, but the reasons for the decision should be recorded on the patient’s notes.
    • This will only apply if you are travelling abroad for more than 30 days.
  • I use ZenPharmacies or Pharmacierg for private Controlled Drug (CD) Prescriptions.
  • FP10
    • These are not issued electronically but are posted by recorded delivery.
    • Private Controlled Drug (CD) Prescriptions are issued on Private FP10 pink prescriptions and include ADHD medications, Codeine Phosphate, Dihydrocodeine, Tramadol, Pregabalin and Gabapentin.
    • These are best prescribed by your NHS GP, otherwise you must see me every month for these prescriptions to be reissued, as I do not issue prescriptions for these medications outside of review appointments.
    • All private prescriptions will incur a cost of medication fee.

I use different pharmacies for prescriptions for Ketamine Lozenges and Cannabis Based Medicinal Products


NHS prescriptions

In some cases, it may be possible for your GP to take over the prescribing of your medication.

  • This will depend on the medication you are on, how long you have been taking it for, and whether your GP is willing to do so.

Shared Care Agreements (SCA)

  • A Shared Care Agreement is used to facilitate the sharing of care and prescribing between NHS Specialists and NHS GPs
  • I do not routinely enter SCA with NHS GPs
    • Unless you can provide written confirmation from your NHS GP that they are willing to enter a SCA with me, then you should not proceed with an ADHD Assessment by me
    • Otherwise, you will need to self-fund medication, and all follow up reviews.

Repeat prescriptions

  • Prescriptions issued during a consultation will last you until your next follow-up appointment.
    • It is your responsibility to ensure you fill your prescription as soon as it is issued so that it does not expire.
  • If you allow your prescription to expire you will need to make an appointment to see me so I can reissue your prescription
    • Please do not allow your prescriptions to expire
  • A request for a repeat prescription that has not expired cannot substitute for a consultation.
  • There is a £100 fee for prescriptions issued outside of appointments
    • Payment of the prescription fee is required before the prescription is issued.
    • Please avoid this situation as it is a costly process.

Personal Sovereignty and Informed Consent

I uphold personal sovereignty as a cornerstone of patient care, empowering you to make informed treatment decisions.
In line with GMCDecisionMakingandconsent2020guidance, I foster shared decision-making by providing clear information on treatment purposes, benefits, risks, and alternatives in my diagnostic assessment and treatment recommendation report for new patients and for existing patients with any new medication introduced.
My New Patient Registration and Consent Form outlines your responsibility to review this information, including medication side effects and interactions, using provided resources, and to contact me with any concerns. This partnership ensures your autonomy and by supporting informed choices, I adhere to ethical and legal standards.

Medication side effects

  • DrugsandMedicationsAtoZ provides detailed and accurate information on over 24,000 prescription and over-the-counter medicines like supplements for both consumers and healthcare professionals.

It is every patient's personal responsibility to read the product monograph on any medication they are prescribed before they start taking their medication as it is impossible for me to list every side effect of every medication.

  • Please contact me if you are in any way concerned about the medication I have prescribed for you
  • Please also look at the websites below for rare side effects of psychiatric medications
    • If you are concerned about a rare side effect then please contact me before taking your prescribed medication
  • I will sometimes recommend PrecisionMedicineGenetics, specifically PsychiatricPharmacogeneticTesting if you have a previous history of side effects with medication or a history treatment resistance.

Drug Interactions Checker

  • Before starting your prescribed medication please ensure that you check that it doesn't interact with any of the medications you have been prescribed. ( by another doctor for example, that I may not be aware of) and/or any OTC medications that you are taking, including any supplements) - if you have any doubts, then please contact me before starting your medication.

Best use of Medicines in Pregnancy


Key UK websites for rare side effects of psychiatric medications