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Meet Sarah, our Dispensary Lead and Pharmacy Technician
Every repeat prescription request goes through several steps behind the scenes to help make sure you receive the medication you need safely and on time.
Sarah Lindsey leads our dispensary teams and works as a Pharmacy Technician across both of our sites - Sheepmarket Surgery and St Mary’s Medical Centre.
Sarah has worked with us for three years and helps oversee the day-to-day running of our dispensaries.
“No two days are ever the same,” Sarah said. “I oversee the running of both dispensaries, support the team, help manage medication stock, make sure we meet safety standards and work closely with the wider practice team to keep everything running smoothly for patients.”
Sarah manages a team of dispensers, dispensing assistants and prescription clerks, including organising rotas, training, appraisals and staff support. She also helps make sure medicines are stored and handled safely and that the dispensaries meet regulatory requirements.
A large part of Sarah’s role involves helping patients access repeat medication.
“When a repeat prescription is requested, a member of our dispensary team processes the request before it is sent to a clinician for approval,” Sarah said. “Once approved, the prescription returns to the dispensary where the medication is prepared, checked and made ready for collection.”
We aim to process repeat prescription requests within three working days, but Sarah encourages patients to order medication before they run out.
“The most important thing you can do is plan ahead,” she said. “We recommend ordering repeat medication one week before you run out. This gives you time if a medication is temporarily unavailable or needs to be specially ordered.”
One of the most common things we help patients with is when medication requested is not on their repeat prescription list.
“Acute medications need to be reviewed by a clinician before they can be issued,” Sarah said. “Another common misunderstanding is that patients think repeat medications will disappear from their repeat list if they do not order them every month, but that isn’t the case. You only need to order the medication you need.”
Sarah said online ordering is usually the quickest and easiest option.
“The NHS App or SystmOnline are the most efficient ways to order repeat prescriptions,” she said. “You can also fill in an online form available on our website.”
Ordering online can help reduce mistakes and speed up processing because patients can review requests before submitting them.
“It also allows our team to spend more time checking prescriptions carefully and supporting patients,” Sarah said.
If online ordering is not suitable for you, you can use paper repeat slips, our dispensary post boxes at both sites or speak to our dispensary team in person.
“We understand that online services are not suitable for everyone,” Sarah said. “Some patients prefer to visit us or need extra support, and we’re happy to help.”
Sarah said she enjoys working in a busy environment and speaking with patients throughout the day.
“I enjoy the interaction with patients and working with the team,” she said.
Her top tips for ordering repeat prescriptions are:
- Order medication before you run out
- Use online services where possible
- Make sure you nominate your preferred collection site
You can collect prescriptions from either our Sheepmarket Surgery or St Mary’s Medical Centre dispensary.
As well as supporting patients with repeat prescriptions, our dispensary team also provides a dispensing service for eligible patients living in and around Stamford. This means we can prepare and supply medication directly to patients who qualify for dispensing services, and we also offer a free home delivery service in some areas.
Sarah also wants patients to know that support is available if they need help using online services.
“If you need help using the NHS App or another ordering method, our team can guide you through it in person, over the phone or online,” Sarah said.
We also have a Digital Champion called Kerry, who supports patients with using our online services, including ordering repeat prescriptions online.
Kerry runs informal drop-in support sessions at both Sheepmarket Surgery and St Mary’s Medical Centre and can provide guidance and reassurance if you are unfamiliar with using online services. If you would like support from Kerry, please speak to a member of the team when you visit the surgery.
If you have a question about your repeat prescription, you can contact our dispensary team on 01780 437 017 and select Option 3. The telephone line is available Monday to Friday from 10am to 11am and from 3pm to 4.30pm.
More information about repeat prescriptions
Published: Jun 1, 2026