Pharmacy services at Torbay Hospital
We have two pharmacy departments at Torbay Hospital. Which service you need depends on your situation.
Outpatient pharmacy
You need the outpatient pharmacy if:
- You have been prescribed medicines at a hospital appointment or the Emergency Department
- You need to check on the delivery or supply of your regular hospital prescriptions
Our outpatient pharmacy dispenses prescriptions written during hospital appointments, including emergency and urgent care visits. These prescriptions must be filled at the hospital and cannot be taken to your usual pharmacy or chemist.
Please note: We cannot dispense regular GP prescriptions at any of our hospital pharmacies
Arranging your medicines
- You can contact us during the week to arrange the delivery or supply of your prescriptions.
- Prescription charges: Unless you are exempt, you will need to pay a standard NHS prescription charge for each item. This includes Emergency Department prescriptions.
- Please bring proof of exemption to your appointment, as you may be asked to show it. You can find out more about NHS prescription costs on the NHS website.
Contact details
- Phone: 01803 656846
- Email: Outpatient Pharmacy
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5:30pm
- Address: Outpatient Pharmacy, Torbay Hospital, Lowes Bridge, Torquay, TQ2 7AA. We are in a separate building, outside of the main outpatients department.
If you get a prescription at the weekend
The outpatient pharmacy is closed at the weekend. If you are given a prescription from an appointment or emergency visit on a Saturday or Sunday, please contact the inpatient pharmacy on 01803 655301 between 9am and 2pm.
Inpatient pharmacy
You need the inpatient pharmacy if:
- You are currently staying on a hospital ward
- You have been treated in one of our day units
- You are being discharged and leaving the hospital after a stay on a ward
Our inpatient pharmacy provides medicines and clinical services to our wards and day units.
Leaving hospital (discharge prescriptions)
When you leave hospital after a stay on a ward, we will provide you with any new medications you need to take at home.
- We aim to give you at least a 14-day supply, or enough to complete your course of treatment.
- There are no prescription charges for medicines given to you when you are discharged from a hospital stay.
- We will send your prescription details directly to your GP so they can arrange your ongoing supply if needed.
Contact details
- Phone: 01803 655301
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:45am to 5pm. Saturday and Sunday, 9am to 2pm.
- Address: Inpatient Pharmacy, Torbay Hospital, Lowes Bridge, Torquay, TQ2 7AA
Advice about medicines
If you have any questions about your medicines, you can contact our medicines helpline. Our helpline is staffed by specialist members of our pharmacy team who can offer information and advice about your medicines. The medicines helpline is based in the inpatient pharmacy at Torbay Hospital.
- Phone: 01803 655304
- Email: Medicines Helpline
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
If we are busy when you call, please leave a message with your name and phone number. We will get back to you as soon as possible.
What we can help with:
- How and when to take your medicines
- Side effects or unexpected reactions
- Checking if you can take two or more medicines together
What we cannot help with:
- Checking on the delivery or supply of your prescriptions. For these queries, contact our outpatient pharmacy team.
- Answering general questions about an illness, symptoms, or conditions that have not been diagnosed by a doctor. You can get advice from your local community pharmacy, check the NHS website, call NHS 111, or contact your GP.
- Discussing alternative treatments to the ones you were prescribed. Please contact the clinical hospital team looking after your care.