Getting your NHS ADHD medication prescription

To help you get your ADHD medication more quickly and reliably, we’re changing the way we deliver electronic prescriptions. The changes mean we’ll send your prescription directly to your nominated pharmacy, so you can collect it in person, without waiting for home delivery. It is being introduced gradually, starting with patients in three ICB areas, to make sure the transition is smooth and disruption is kept to a minimum.

Improving your care experience

We’re changing how we deliver electronic prescribing across more NHS areas, starting with three ICBs. This will help to minimise disruption and improve your care experience. If your ICB is not listed yet, this new process will be available to you over the next few months.

Read more about the current prescription process

Changes to how you get your prescription

From 8 September, patients in West Yorkshire ICB, Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire ICB, and Lancashire and South Cumbria ICB will move to our new electronic prescription system. Instead of home delivery, your prescription will be sent directly to your chosen pharmacy, so you can collect your medication more quickly and reliably.

As we move to our new electronic prescription system:

  • Your prescription will be sent to your nominated pharmacy
  • You’ll need to collect your medication in person and take photo ID with you to verify your identity
  • You’ll pay the standard NHS prescription charge, if applicable
  • Medication will no longer be delivered to your home via CloudRx

This new approach is designed to be quicker and more convenient - helping you avoid delays and interruptions to your treatment.

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Who this change applies to

We’re rolling out this change gradually. For now, it applies only to patients in the following ICB areas:

  • West Yorkshire ICB
  • Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire ICB
  • Lancashire and South Cumbria ICB

We’ll let you know in advance if this change will affect you.

Why we’re changing

We’ve listened to patient feedback and know that waiting for medication to arrive by post can be frustrating, especially when delays occur. By switching to electronic prescriptions:

  • you can collect your medication sooner
  • you’ll have more control over when and where to collect it
  • there’s less risk of delays or missed deliveries

What you need to do

  • Check your nominated pharmacy is correct: Make sure your prescription goes to the right place by confirming your nominated pharmacy is up to date. You can check this using the NHS App or by contacting your local pharmacy directly.
  • Take photo ID when collecting your medication: When you collect your prescription, you’ll need to show photo ID. This is a safety and legal requirement to ensure medication is given to the correct person.

If you have any questions or need support with this change, the best way to get in touch is by emailing [email protected]. This helps us respond more quickly and keeps a clear record of your query. If you'd prefer to speak to someone, you can also call us on 0203 761 7029.

    Please bring photo ID to the pharmacy

    To collect your ADHD medication, you’ll need to show photo identification, such as a driving licence or passport.

    This helps the pharmacy confirm your identity, keep you safe, and make sure the right medication is given to the right person.

    Thank you for supporting safer, more secure care.

    Your new prescription journey

    This process replaces home delivery and should help you access your medication more quickly and reliably.

    1

    We issue your prescription: Your clinician completes your prescription following your appointment.

    2

    We send it to your chosen pharmacy: We send it securely and electronically, in the same way your GP would, to your nominated pharmacy.

    3

    You go to collect your medication: Once your pharmacy has received and dispensed your prescription, you can collect it in person. Please remember to take photo ID with you – this helps the pharmacy confirm your identity and ensure the medication is safely given to the right person.

    4

    You pay the NHS prescription fee: You pay the standard NHS charge, unless you're exempt, and receive your medication.

    Right to Choose ADHD medication

    We offer an ADHD medication service through the NHS Right to Choose pathway. Read about ADHD medication, the importance of titration, and the process.

    Find out more

    NHS ADHD medication prescription FAQs

    Not once you’ve moved to the new system. You’ll collect your medication in person from your nominated pharmacy.

    We’ll be in touch if this change applies to you.

    All you need to do is check that your nominated pharmacy is up to date using the NHS App or by contacting your local pharmacy directly.

    You can choose any local pharmacy that’s convenient for you. You can do this in the NHS App or by contacting your local pharmacy directly.

    You will pay only the standard NHS prescription charge.

    Pharmacies are required to check photo ID when you collect controlled medications like ADHD prescriptions.

    This is for your safety and to meet legal guidelines. It helps ensure:

    • medication is given to the right person
    • no one else can collect it fraudulently
    • controlled substances are not misused or diverted

    Even if you’ve used the same pharmacy before, they’ll still need to check ID each time. A passport, driving licence, or any official photo ID is fine.

    Yes, you can usually collect a prescription for someone else, but there are a few important steps to follow, especially for ADHD medication, which is classed as a controlled drug.

    To collect medication on someone else’s behalf, you’ll usually need:

    • Their consent (this can be verbal, but some pharmacies may ask for written confirmation)
    • Key information, such as the patient’s full name, date of birth, and address
    • Photo ID, especially when collecting controlled medication

    You may be asked to sign the prescription form when collecting, and if there’s a charge, you’ll need to pay on their behalf. Some pharmacies may contact the patient to confirm you have permission to collect the medication for them.

    Please note:

    • Never share medication — even if someone has similar symptoms. This is illegal and unsafe.
    • Occasional medication shortages may impact availability, so check ahead where possible.

    If you’re unsure or have any questions, please speak with our team.