Yes, you can pick up a prescription on behalf of someone else. The prescription can be either electronic or a paper prescription.
Collecting an electronic prescription from a pharmacy on behalf of someone else
Most prescriptions are sent electronically direct to a pharmacy from the GP surgery. So, there is no need to hand in a paper prescription,
The person who the prescription is for can choose the pharmacy or dispenser where the prescription is sent.
You can collect the medicine on their behalf if the person has told the pharmacy that they are happy for you to do so.
Collecting a paper prescription from a GP or a pharmacy on behalf of someone else
Occasionally a GP surgery will issue a paper prescription. A paper prescription can be taken to any pharmacy or dispenser.
You can collect a paper prescription from a GP surgery for a friend or relative if that person has told the surgery they're happy for you to collect it. You'll usually be asked to confirm the name and address of the person you're collecting the prescription for.
The GP surgery is not legally required to check your identity, but some surgeries may ask for proof of identity to prevent the wrong prescription being given out.
You can take a prescription to the pharmacy to collect someone else's medicine for them. The patient must complete part 1 of the prescription form (FP10) and the person collecting the medicine must complete parts 2 and 3.
If a patient has to pay prescription charges, the correct amount must be entered in part 2. If they're exempt from paying prescription charges, the correct evidence should be provided.
The pharmacist will check the back of the FP10 form to make sure it's signed and the appropriate category is ticked if the person is exempt from paying charges, and you're acting on their behalf and have their permission.
If you have a prescription prepayment certificate (PPC), you can only use it for prescriptions that have been issued to you but not if you're collecting a prescription for someone else.
A penalty charge may be issued if a false exemption claim is made, and the person making the false claim could be prosecuted. Routine checks are carried out.
Collecting 'controlled medicine' from a pharmacy on behalf of someone else
Controlled medicines include morphine, pethidine and methadone.
Controlled medicines are sometimes misused so they have stricter legal controls on their supply.
If you're collecting a "controlled medicine" for someone else, the pharmacist may ask you for proof of identity. They may also confirm with the patient that their medicine is being collected by someone else.