NHS App
Waiting, approved, preparing, dispatched: your prescription status explained
A repeat request and an issued prescription are not the same thing. Knowing which stage you are seeing can help you contact the right team and avoid unnecessary delay.
The short answer
What to know first
- Waiting for GP approval means the pharmacy has not yet received an authorised prescription.
- Approved means the prescriber has issued the request; the pharmacy still needs time to prepare it.
- Tracking availability and wording depend on the pharmacy’s system, so contact the right team if something looks wrong.
What each stage usually means
The NHS App may show different levels of detail depending on your GP and pharmacy systems. Treat the displayed status as a guide to the current stage rather than a guaranteed delivery time.
| Status | What is happening | Who to contact if there is a problem |
|---|---|---|
| Waiting for GP approval | Your request is with the GP surgery and has not yet become a prescription. | Your GP surgery |
| Approved by GP | The prescription has been authorised and is sent automatically to your chosen pharmacy when one is recorded. | The pharmacy, after allowing preparation time |
| Preparing | The pharmacy is processing the prescription. Stock or clinical questions can affect timing. | The pharmacy if the expected timeframe has passed |
| Part ready | Some items are ready but at least one remains outstanding. | The pharmacy to discuss whether a partial supply is appropriate |
| Dispatched | The pharmacy has handed the medicine into its delivery process. | The pharmacy for the relevant delivery information |
| Rejected or cancelled | The request or prescription has not continued. The reason depends on who rejected or cancelled it. | The GP surgery or pharmacy shown in the status |
Guidance: NHS, NHS England Digital
Build enough time into a routine request
The NHS says a chosen pharmacy may take three to five working days to prepare a prescription. Delivery adds another stage, and stock availability or a clinical query can change the timing. Order regular medicines with enough supply remaining rather than waiting for the final dose.
Do not request extra or take a different dose to bridge a delay without professional advice. If the app says a medicine needs review or cannot yet be requested, contact your GP surgery for the next step.
Guidance: NHS
Use an urgent route when you cannot safely wait
If you have run out of prescribed medicine and need it urgently, NHS 111 online can assess an emergency prescription request. Some medicines cannot be supplied through that route, and any supply remains subject to professional assessment.
Guidance: NHS England Digital
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Does an approved request mean it has been delivered?
No. Approval means the prescriber has issued it. The pharmacy still needs to receive, clinically check, prepare and dispatch the medicine.
Why is only part of my prescription ready?
One or more items may still be unavailable or under review. Ask the pharmacy whether waiting or receiving an appropriate partial supply is the better option.
Should I request the medicine again if the status has not changed?
Do not create a duplicate request without checking. Contact the GP surgery if approval is outstanding, or the pharmacy if an issued prescription is delayed.
Guidance & partner information
Sources
Sources were checked on 11 September 2026. We prioritise current NHS, NICE, MHRA and regulator information.
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