Prescribing Policy
Effective Date: 13th July 2026
Review Date: 13th July 2027
1. Purpose
This Prescribing Policy explains how medication is prescribed at The Perinatal Psychiatrist.
The aim of this policy is to ensure that prescribing is safe, evidence-based, person-centred, and consistent with current UK clinical guidance and professional standards.
Medication is only one aspect of psychiatric treatment and may be recommended alongside psychological therapies, lifestyle interventions, or other treatments.
2. General Principles
Medication will only be prescribed when, in my professional clinical judgement, it is appropriate following a comprehensive psychiatric assessment.
Prescribing decisions are based on:
current clinical evidence
national guidance
individual risks and benefits
your preferences and treatment goals
physical health considerations
previous treatment response
Every prescribing decision is made collaboratively through shared decision-making wherever possible.
3. Before Medication Can Be Prescribed
Before issuing a prescription, I may require:
a comprehensive psychiatric assessment
previous psychiatric records
GP records or referral information
details of current medications
medical history
allergy history
pregnancy or breastfeeding history where relevant
recent blood pressure, pulse, height and weight
blood tests
ECG
other investigations where clinically indicated
Prescribing may be delayed until sufficient information has been obtained to ensure medication can be prescribed safely.
4. Private Prescriptions
Where clinically appropriate, medication will usually be issued as a private prescription.
The consultation fee includes the preparation and issue of a prescription during your appointment.
The cost of dispensing medication is charged separately by your chosen pharmacy.
5. Repeat Prescriptions
Repeat prescriptions are available only for patients who remain under my care.
Patients should request repeat prescriptions with sufficient notice before medication runs out.
Repeat prescriptions may not be issued if:
a medication review is overdue
recommended monitoring has not been completed
there are concerns regarding safety
further assessment is clinically indicated
there are concerns regarding misuse or dependence
An administration fee may apply to repeat prescriptions requested outside scheduled consultations. Current charges are set out in the Practice Fees Schedule.
6. Medication Reviews
Regular review appointments are essential for safe prescribing.
The frequency of review depends upon:
diagnosis
medication prescribed
treatment response
side effects
pregnancy or breastfeeding status
current clinical guidance
Patients taking long-term medication should attend review appointments as advised.
7. Physical Health Monitoring
Some psychiatric medications require regular monitoring.
This may include:
blood pressure
pulse
weight
body mass index (BMI)
blood tests
ECG
metabolic monitoring
other investigations depending on the medication prescribed
Patients are responsible for arranging and attending recommended monitoring appointments.
Failure to complete necessary monitoring may result in prescribing being delayed or discontinued until it is safe to continue treatment.
8. Controlled Drugs
Controlled drugs are prescribed only when clinically appropriate and where legal requirements are met.
Additional monitoring may be required.
Early replacement prescriptions are not routinely issued.
Lost, stolen or damaged prescriptions will not normally be replaced without further clinical assessment.
Requests for early supplies may be declined where there are concerns regarding safety or misuse.
9. ADHD Medication
Where ADHD medication is prescribed:
a full diagnostic assessment must have been completed
baseline physical health information is required
ongoing monitoring will be undertaken in accordance with national guidance
regular follow-up appointments are required
Shared care with your GP may be considered once treatment is stable but cannot be guaranteed.
10. Prescribing During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
As a specialist perinatal psychiatrist, medication decisions during pregnancy and breastfeeding are based on an individual risk-benefit assessment.
Treatment recommendations take into account:
severity of illness
previous response to treatment
risks of untreated mental illness
available safety evidence
maternal wellbeing
fetal or infant exposure
your preferences
All prescribing decisions are made through shared decision-making.
11. Shared Care
Where appropriate, I may request that your GP enters into a Shared Care Agreement for ongoing prescribing.
Acceptance of shared care is entirely at the discretion of your GP practice.
The Practice cannot guarantee that your GP will prescribe medication recommended privately.
Where shared care is declined, ongoing private prescriptions and review appointments may be required.
12. Communication with Your GP
With your consent, I will usually write to your GP following:
your initial assessment
significant medication changes
follow-up reviews where clinically appropriate
Good communication supports safe and coordinated care.
13. When Medication May Not Be Prescribed
Medication may not be prescribed where:
there is insufficient clinical information
prescribing would be unsafe
recommended monitoring has not been completed
there are concerns regarding dependence, diversion or misuse
treatment falls outside accepted clinical practice
another healthcare professional is better placed to prescribe
14. Emergency Prescribing
The Practice does not provide an emergency prescribing service.
Requests for urgent medication outside normal working hours should be directed to:
your GP
NHS 111
your local out-of-hours service
your nearest Emergency Department if appropriate
Patients are responsible for requesting repeat prescriptions in sufficient time before medication runs out.
15. Patient Responsibilities
Patients are expected to:
take medication as prescribed
attend follow-up appointments
complete recommended physical health monitoring
inform the Practice of side effects or significant changes in health
tell the Practice about any new medications prescribed elsewhere
notify the Practice if pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding
request repeat prescriptions in good time
16. Review of this Policy
This policy will be reviewed periodically to ensure it reflects current legislation, national guidance and best clinical practice.
Document Version: 1.0
Review Date: 13th July 2027
