Frequently asked questions and pharmacy options

TOP TIP: Most patients will not need to travel to collect prescriptions if they choose a pharmacy that offers delivery services. Free delivery has also been arranged from Boots Fowey for patients affected by this change.

What is changing?

From 26 September 2026, Polruan surgery will no longer supply prescribed medicines directly to patients. You will still be able to order prescriptions in the usual way, but your medicines will be supplied by a pharmacy.

Is Polruan surgery closing?

No. GP appointments and all other practice services will continue as usual. Only the dispensing of medicines is changing.

Why is this happening?

NHS regulations only allow GP practices to dispense medicines to patients who meet specific eligibility criteria based on distance from a community pharmacy. Following a review, too few patients now meet these criteria for the service to continue.

Will I still be able to order repeat prescriptions?

Yes. You can continue to order prescriptions as you do now through the practice, the NHS App or Patient Access.

How will I get my medicines?

Your prescription will be sent to a pharmacy chosen by you. The pharmacy can prepare your medicines for collection or may offer a delivery service.

How do I choose a pharmacy?

Tell the practice which pharmacy you would like to use. You can change your choice at any time.

Is there a free delivery service available?

Yes. Boots Pharmacy in Fowey has agreed to provide a free delivery service for affected patients living in Polruan. Quote the code on your letter. Deliveries operate Monday to Thursday.

Can I use an online pharmacy?

Yes. NHS-approved online pharmacies deliver medicines directly to your home.

I am housebound or vulnerable. What support is available?

Please contact the practice. We will work with you to make sure you can continue to access your medicines.

Will I have to pay for prescriptions?

No. Prescription charges and exemptions are not changing.

What do I need to do now?

At this stage, you do not need to take immediate action. However, over the coming weeks, we encourage you to:

• Consider which pharmacy you would prefer to use
• Let us know your chosen (nominated) pharmacy
• Contact us if you may need additional support

Who can I contact if I have questions?

Fowey River Practice, Polruan branch surgery. Tel: 01726 829272.

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.foweyriverpractice.co.uk

Local community pharmacy options

Approximate distance from Polruan surgery:

• Boots Pharmacy, Fowey: 0.6 miles by ferry or 3.9 miles by road
• Roberts Pharmacy, Polperro: 6.3 miles
• Mountchase Pharmacy, Lostwithiel: 10.1 miles
• Day Lewis Pharmacy, Wheal Northey, St Austell: 10.3 miles by ferry or 17.5 miles by road
• Asda Pharmacy, St Austell: 11 miles by ferry or 18.2 miles by road

Opening times may be subject to change. Please check with the pharmacy before travelling.

Pharmacy delivery services

Some pharmacies may offer home delivery services to patients in Polruan.

If offered, these may be free although sometimes a charge may be made.

Boots of Fowey have agreed to offer a free delivery service to those patients affected by this change who live in Polruan. Please present your letter and code on the letter to Fowey Boots to arrange this. (Deliveries operate Mon-Thurs.)

You may also contact any pharmacy of your choice to see how they can help.

Distant selling or online pharmacies

There are also what are known as distance selling or online pharmacies. These are obliged to offer services without face-to-face contact and so MUST deliver free to your home. You can find a list of these at https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/other-health-services/pharmacies/internetpharmacies