Frequently Asked Questions
What services does Hot Chemist offer?
For more information on the the services we provide please visit our essential services page here.
How can I nominate Hot Chemist as my preferred pharmacy?
To nominate Hot Chemist as your chosen pharmacy:
- Through the website: you can make you nomination through our website via the online form here.
- Directly with Us: Contact us at 08456 462966 or email pharmacy@hotchemist.co.uk, and we will assist you with the nomination process.
What are the opening hours of Hot Chemist?
Hot Chemist Milton Keynes operates from 09:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday.
Hot Chemist Yorkshire operates from 09:00 to 12:00 & 13:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday.
During these hours, our team is available to process prescriptions, provide consultations, and assist with any inquiries.
Is there a delivery charge for prescriptions?
No, Hot Chemist offers free next-day delivery for all NHS prescriptions across England.
For private prescriptions, delivery charges may apply based on the medication and chosen delivery method. Detailed information is provided during the ordering process.
How can I contact Hot Chemist?
You can reach us through the following methods:
- Phone: Call us at 08456 462966 during our operating hours.
- Email: Send your inquiries to either:
Milton Keynes – pharmacy@hotchemist.co.uk
Yorkshire – pharmacy.yorkshire@hotchemist.co.uk - You can can find more information on our Contact Us page here
Our team is ready to assist you with prescription requests, health advice, and any other services you may require.
What is the NHS Pharmacy First service?
The NHS Pharmacy First service allows patients to receive treatment for specific minor ailments directly from a pharmacist, without the need to see a GP. Our service covers six common conditions:
- Sinusitis: Inflammation of the sinuses causing congestion and facial pain.
- Sore Throat: Pain or irritation in the throat, often caused by infections.
- Infected Insect Bite: Bites that have become red, swollen, and infected.
- Impetigo: A contagious skin infection causing sores and blisters.
- Shingles: A viral infection causing a painful rash, typically on one side of the body.
- Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Bladder infections presenting with symptoms like burning during urination.
Patients can consult directly with our pharmacists for these conditions and receive appropriate treatment, including prescription medications if necessary. This initiative aims to provide timely care and reduce the burden on GP services. You can self refer for this service here.
Can I self-refer to the NHS Pharmacy First service at Hot Chemist?
Yes, you can self-refer to the NHS Pharmacy First service. Simply by completing our online questionnaire here.
How do I order repeat prescriptions from Hot Chemist?
You can order your NHS repeat prescriptions through:
- The NHS App – Log in and request your repeat prescription.
- Your GP Surgery – Request a repeat prescription, and it will be sent to Hot Chemist electronically.
- Hot Chemist Directly – Contact our pharmacy team at 08456 462966, and we can assist with the process.
Once approved, we will dispense your medication and deliver it for free across England.
How long does it take to receive my medication?
Once we receive and process your NHS prescription, we offer free next-day delivery across England.
For private prescriptions, the delivery time may vary.
We aim to dispatch orders promptly to ensure you receive your medication as quickly as possible.
What is a Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC), and how does it save money?
A Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC) allows you to pay a fixed fee for NHS prescriptions over a set period, potentially saving you money if you require multiple prescriptions. You can find more information on this here.
Costs (2024 rates):
3-month PPC – £32.05 (covers unlimited prescriptions for 3 months).
12-month PPC – £114.60 (covers unlimited prescriptions for 12 months).
If you need more than 3 items in 3 months or more than 12 in a year, a PPC can save you money.
You can apply online via the NHS Business Services Authority website.
Can I get my medication delivered to a different address?
Yes! You can choose a different delivery address. This is useful if you:
✔ Are travelling within the UK and need your medication sent elsewhere.
✔ Need your prescription sent to a carer or family member.
✔ Want your medication delivered to work instead of home.
For secure deliveries, you may need to sign for controlled or temperature-sensitive medications.
Can I speak to a pharmacist for medical advice?
Yes! Our qualified pharmacists can provide:
✔ Advice on medication use, side effects, and interactions.
✔ Guidance on over-the-counter treatments for minor conditions.
✔ Support for long-term health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure.
📞 Call 08456 462966 to speak to a pharmacist today.
Do you offer Monitored Dosage Systems (MDS) for patients and care homes?
Yes, we provide Monitored Dosage Systems (MDS) for:
✔ Patients who take multiple medications daily.
✔ Care homes that need easy-to-administer, organised medication packaging.
✔ Carers & families supporting elderly or vulnerable individuals.
MDS ensures medication is taken correctly and safely. Contact us to see if you qualify for this service.
Can I use Hot Chemist if I receive free prescriptions?
Yes! If you are eligible for free NHS prescriptions, you can still use Hot Chemist as your nominated pharmacy.
✔ We will dispense your prescription free of charge.
✔ You will still receive free next-day delivery across England.
You can check if you’re eligible for free prescriptions here.
Can I request emergency medication if I run out?
If you have run out of your medication:
✔ If your prescription is urgent, speak to your GP or NHS 111.
✔ Contact Hot Chemist – we may be able to help arrange an emergency supply – 08456 462966.
✔ Some emergency medications can be provided without a prescription, depending on the medication type.
What Happens If I Miss My Medication Delivery?
At Hot Chemist, we ensure a smooth and reliable free next-day delivery service for NHS prescriptions across England. However, if you miss your delivery, here’s what to do:
1. Check Your Delivery Notification
✔ If you weren’t home, the courier may have left a missed delivery card with instructions.
✔ Some deliveries may require a signature, particularly for controlled or temperature-sensitive medications.
2. Rearrange Delivery
✔ Follow the instructions on the missed delivery notification to rearrange a new delivery time.
✔ If the package is with Royal Mail, you can reschedule online or collect it from your local sorting office.
3. What If My Medication Is Urgent?
If your prescription is urgent and you have missed the delivery:
✔ Contact Hot Chemist immediately at 08456 462966.
✔ We can advise you on next steps, including emergency supply options if needed.
5. Can My Medication Be Redelivered?
✔ Yes! If your package has been returned to us, we can rearrange redelivery.
📞 Need Help? Call 08456 462966 to arrange redelivery or discuss alternative options.
How Can I Safely Dispose of Unused or Expired Medicines?
Proper disposal of unused or expired medicines is important for safety and environmental protection. Here’s how you can safely dispose of unwanted medication:
1. Return to a Pharmacy
✔ Take any unused medicines to your local pharmacy – including prescription and over-the-counter medications.
✔ Hot Chemist and other registered pharmacies provide free medicine disposal services.
✔ Our pharmacists will ensure medicines are disposed of safely and in line with UK regulations.
2. Do NOT Throw Medicines in Household Waste
✘ Medicines should not be thrown in general waste bins, as they can be harmful if found by children or animals.
3. Do NOT Flush Medicines Down the Toilet
✘ Flushing medicines can contaminate water supplies and the environment.
✘ Certain drugs, including antibiotics and painkillers, can affect wildlife and aquatic life.
4. What Should I Do With Controlled Drugs (CDs)?
✔ Some medications, such as strong painkillers or sedatives, are classed as controlled drugs (CDs).
✔ Return these directly to a pharmacy for secure disposal.
📞 Need Advice? Contact Hot Chemist at 08456 462966 or contact us via email for guidance on medicine disposal and safe handling.
