12-Month Prescriptions (Starting Early 2026)
Starting in early 2026, some prescriptions may be valid for up to 12 months.
Eligibility Criteria: * Condition and medication dose must be stable.
No regular monitoring (like blood tests or blood pressure checks) is required.
Agreement to a dedicated annual in-person review.
Exclusions: Certain medications are not eligible for 12-month intervals, including controlled medicines (e.g., opioids, stimulants), "as needed" medicines, or if your dose changed in the last 6 months.+1
Pharmacy Collection: Even with a 12-month prescription, medication is still collected in three-month supplies.
Final Authority: The General Practitioner (GP) makes the final decision on whether a 12-month prescription is safe and appropriate.
ADHD Assessments & Prescribing
Effective February 1st, 2026, trained GPs can diagnose and treat ADHD in adults (18+), though specific practice policies apply.
Merivale Medical Practice Policy: * The practice is not offering diagnostic ADHD assessments at this time.+1
If you require a referral for an assessment, you must book a dedicated appointment to discuss it.
Stimulant Medication:
Ongoing prescribing of stimulants may be considered by your GP once a specialist confirms the diagnosis and the medication plan is stable.+1
Prescribing is at the GP's discretion based on clinical factors.
Regular in-person GP appointments are required for monitoring.
Children (Under 18):
GPs cannot diagnose ADHD or initiate stimulant medication for those under 18.
A dedicated appointment is required to discuss referrals for this age group.
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