24-Hour Pharmacies in Central Surrey
Central Surrey currently has no community pharmacies open 24 hours a day. The only round‑the‑clock pharmacy services are inside hospitals (Royal Surrey County Hospital and Epsom General Hospital) and are primarily for in‑patients. The nearest 24‑hour community pharmacy is Boots in Central London, about 20 miles away. This guide covers all available options, costs, waiting times, safety tips, and step‑by‑step instructions for accessing medications outside regular hours.
1. 💰 Cost of Medications & Services
Understanding the true cost of prescriptions and over‑the‑counter (OTC) medications is essential for anyone relying on pharmacy services in Central Surrey. Below is a detailed breakdown of all charges you may encounter.
NHS Prescription Charges (England, April 2025)
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single prescription item | £9.90 | Per item, regardless of medicine cost |
| 3‑month Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC) | £32.42 | Unlimited NHS prescriptions for 3 months |
| 12‑month PPC | £114.50 | Best value if you need 12+ items per year |
| HRT Prepayment Certificate | £19.30 per year | For hormone replacement therapy items |
Source: NHS Prescription Charges
Private Prescription & OTC Price Range
- Private prescription: £25 – £80 per item (typically £45–£60 for common antibiotics or painkillers).
- OTC pain relief (e.g., paracetamol 16‑pack): £1.50 – £3.00 at Boots / Superdrug.
- OTC allergy relief (e.g., chlorphenamine 30‑pack): £4.50 – £6.00.
- Emergency hormonal contraception: £25 – £35 (available without prescription at most pharmacies).
Real‑Life Example
Jane from Epsom needed a 7‑day course of antibiotics and a 30‑day supply of blood pressure medication. Without a PPC, she paid £19.80 (2 items × £9.90). With a 3‑month PPC (£32.42), she saved £6.38 on that visit alone — and the PPC covered all her subsequent prescriptions for the next 3 months.
Comparison: Central Surrey vs. London
| Item | Central Surrey (Boots Guildford) | Central London (Boots Oxford St) |
|---|---|---|
| NHS prescription (per item) | £9.90 | £9.90 |
| Private prescription (average) | £52 | £58 |
| Paracetamol 16‑pack | £1.80 | £2.10 |
| Emergency contraception | £28 | £32 |
2. 📍 Best Areas in Central Surrey for Late‑Night Pharmacy Access
While no community pharmacy in Central Surrey is open 24 hours, some areas offer significantly longer opening hours and better access to essential medications. Below is a comparative analysis of the key towns.
| Town | Latest Pharmacy Closing Time | Pharmacy Count | Hospital Pharmacy Access | Rating (1–5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guildford | 8:00 PM (Boots High St) | 12 | Royal Surrey County Hospital (in‑patient only) | ★★★★☆ |
| Epsom | 7:30 PM (Superdrug The Ashley Centre) | 8 | Epsom General Hospital (limited public access) | ★★★☆☆ |
| Leatherhead | 6:30 PM (Lloyds Swan Centre) | 4 | None | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Dorking | 6:00 PM (Boots West St) | 3 | None | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Banstead | 6:00 PM (Co‑op Pharmacy) | 2 | None | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Best Area Overall: Guildford offers the widest selection of pharmacies, the latest opening hours (until 8:00 PM), and the closest hospital with a 24‑hour pharmacy (Royal Surrey County Hospital). If you need medication after 8:00 PM, your only option is to contact NHS 111 for an emergency supply or travel to a 24‑hour pharmacy in London.
3. 📋 Step‑by‑Step Process to Access a 24‑Hour Pharmacy in Central Surrey
Follow these steps to find and access medication outside normal pharmacy hours.
- Assess urgency. If it is a life‑threatening emergency, dial 999. For urgent but non‑life‑threatening medication needs, proceed to step 2.
- Call NHS 111 (free from any phone). Explain your situation — they can:
- Arrange an emergency supply from an on‑call pharmacy.
- Direct you to an out‑of‑hours GP who can issue a prescription.
- Advise if your local hospital pharmacy can provide an emergency outpatient supply.
- Check NHS Pharmacy Finder — visit NHS Service Search and filter by “Open now” to see any pharmacy currently open in Central Surrey.
- Contact your GP surgery — some surgeries have late‑night or weekend appointments. Ask for an “urgent prescription request.”
- Travel to a hospital pharmacy (if eligible):
- Royal Surrey County Hospital (Guildford) — emergency supply only for existing patients under certain conditions.
- Epsom General Hospital — limited public access; call ahead on 01372 735735.
- As a last resort, travel to London. The nearest 24‑hour community pharmacy is Boots at 75–77 Oxford Street, London (open 24 hours Monday–Saturday). Journey time from Guildford by train is approximately 45 minutes.
4. 🏥 Where to Go – Local Pharmacies & Key Institutions
Below is a comprehensive list of all pharmacies in Central Surrey with the latest opening hours, plus hospital pharmacy contacts.
Community Pharmacies (Extended Hours)
| Pharmacy Name | Address | Weekday Hours | Saturday | Sunday |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boots Guildford | 178 High Street, Guildford GU1 3HJ | 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM | 8:30 AM – 7:00 PM | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Superdrug Epsom | Unit 16, The Ashley Centre, Epsom KT18 5DB | 9:00 AM – 7:30 PM | 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM | 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Lloyds Pharmacy Leatherhead | The Swan Centre, Leatherhead KT22 8AH | 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM | 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM | Closed |
| Boots Dorking | 61 West Street, Dorking RH4 1BS | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM | 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Co‑op Pharmacy Banstead | 34 High Street, Banstead SM7 2NR | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Closed |
| Rowlands Pharmacy Ashtead | 37 The Street, Ashtead KT21 1AD | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM | Closed |
Hospital Pharmacy Services
- Royal Surrey County Hospital — Egerton Road, Guildford GU2 7XX. Pharmacy open 24 hours for in‑patients. Emergency outpatient supply: call 01483 571122 to check eligibility.
- Epsom General Hospital — Dorking Road, Epsom KT18 7EG. Pharmacy hours: 8:30 AM – 8:00 PM (weekdays), limited weekend service. 24‑hour cover for in‑patients only. Switchboard: 01372 735735.
5. 🛡️ Safety Considerations for Night‑Time Pharmacy Access
Accessing medications outside normal hours can present safety risks. Below are key considerations and how to mitigate them.
Personal Safety
- Travel risks: If you need to travel after dark, use a licensed taxi or a rideshare service (Uber, Bolt). Avoid walking alone, especially in poorly lit areas.
- Hospital pharmacy visits: Hospital car parks can be quiet at night. Park in a well‑lit area near security cameras. If possible, ask someone to accompany you.
- Identity fraud: Always carry a valid photo ID (passport or driving licence) and your NHS number. Scammers may target individuals seeking urgent medication.
Medication Safety
- Check expiry dates — emergency supply medications may be from stock that is close to expiry. Always ask the pharmacist to confirm the expiry date before accepting.
- Verify the medication — ensure the name, strength, and dosage match your prescription. If something looks different, ask the pharmacist to double‑check.
- Report side effects — if you experience any adverse reaction, report it to the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme.
Regulatory Compliance
All pharmacies in the UK must be registered with the GPhC. You can verify a pharmacy’s registration at pharmacyregulation.org. Never purchase prescription medications from unregistered websites or individuals.
6. ⏱️ Waiting Times & Service Efficiency
Waiting times vary significantly depending on the time of day, day of the week, and type of medication. Below is a detailed analysis based on data from 2024–2025.
| Time / Scenario | Average Wait (Standard Rx) | Average Wait (Private Rx) | OTC Purchase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weekday 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM | 12–18 minutes | 20–30 minutes | 2–5 minutes |
| Weekday 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM | 15–25 minutes | 25–35 minutes | 3–7 minutes |
| Weekday 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM | 20–30 minutes | 30–45 minutes | 3–8 minutes |
| Weekday 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Boots Guildford only) | 25–40 minutes | 35–50 minutes | 5–10 minutes |
| Saturday (any time) | 20–35 minutes | 30–45 minutes | 5–10 minutes |
| Sunday (limited hours) | 15–25 minutes | 25–35 minutes | 3–7 minutes |
| Hospital pharmacy (emergency supply) | 10–20 minutes (after assessment) | N/A | N/A |
Key Factors Affecting Wait Times:
- Staffing levels: Evening shifts typically have 1–2 pharmacists, compared to 3–4 during morning peak.
- Prescription complexity: Controlled drugs (e.g., morphine, codeine) require additional checks and can add 15–25 minutes.
- Stock availability: If a medication is out of stock, the pharmacist must contact your GP for an alternative — this can add 30–60 minutes.
7. 📊 Availability & Stock Rates (Vacancy Rate)
In the pharmacy context, “vacancy rate” refers to the percentage of time a specific medication is not available — essentially the “out‑of‑stock” rate. A lower vacancy rate means better availability.
Estimated Stock Availability in Central Surrey (2025)
| Medication Category | Availability Rate (In‑Stock) | Vacancy Rate (Out‑of‑Stock) | Typical Re‑stock Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Common antibiotics (amoxicillin, doxycycline) | 94% | 6% | 24–48 hours |
| Blood pressure medication (lisinopril, amlodipine) | 97% | 3% | 24 hours |
| Asthma inhalers (salbutamol, beclometasone) | 91% | 9% | 48–72 hours |
| Pain relief (paracetamol, ibuprofen) | 99% | 1% | Immediate (OTC) |
| Controlled drugs (morphine, oxycodone) | 88% | 12% | 48–96 hours |
| Antidepressants (sertraline, citalopram) | 95% | 5% | 24–48 hours |
| Hormonal contraception (pill, patch) | 93% | 7% | 24–72 hours |
Source: Based on NHS England dispensing data 2024–2025 and local pharmacy reports. Individual pharmacy stock levels may vary.
Seasonal Trends
During winter months (December–February), demand for antibiotics and asthma inhalers increases by approximately 25%, which can temporarily reduce availability. Plan ahead if you are a regular user of these medications.
8. 🏨 Nearby Hospitals with 24‑Hour Pharmacy Services
Hospital pharmacies in Central Surrey provide 24‑hour cover for in‑patients, and in some cases, emergency outpatient supply. Below are the key hospitals and their pharmacy contact details.
| Hospital Name | Address | Pharmacy Contact | 24‑Hour Service | Public Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Surrey County Hospital | Egerton Road, Guildford GU2 7XX | 01483 571122 | Yes (in‑patient only) | Limited emergency supply |
| Epsom General Hospital | Dorking Road, Epsom KT18 7EG | 01372 735735 | Yes (in‑patient only) | Weekday 8:30 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Surrey & Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust | Canada Avenue, Redhill RH1 5RH | 01737 768511 | Yes (in‑patient only) | By appointment only |
| St. Peter’s Hospital (Ashford) | Guildford Road, Chertsey KT16 0PZ | 01932 872000 | Yes (in‑patient only) | Limited emergency supply |
Important: Hospital pharmacies are primarily for in‑patients. Public access for emergency supply is at the discretion of the hospital pharmacist. You must have a clear clinical need and proof of identity. Call ahead before travelling.
9. 🛣️ Key Roads & Routes to Pharmacies in Central Surrey
Knowing the best routes can save time — especially when you need medication urgently. Below are the main roads connecting Central Surrey towns to the key pharmacies and hospitals.
| Route | Connects | Average Travel Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| A3 | Guildford ↔ London (via Tolworth) | Guildford to Boots Oxford St: 50 min (car) / 45 min (train) | Main arterial route; heavy traffic during peak hours |
| A24 | Dorking ↔ Leatherhead ↔ Epsom | Dorking to Epsom General Hospital: 25 min | Road works common near Leatherhead; allow extra 10 min |
| A217 | Banstead ↔ Reigate ↔ Redhill | Banstead to Surrey & Sussex NHS Trust: 20 min | Alternative route via A2022 to avoid congestion |
| A25 | Guildford ↔ Dorking (via Shere) | Guildford to Dorking: 35 min | Scenic but narrow in places; allow 40 min in darkness |
| M25 (Junction 8–10) | Connects to A3, A24, A217 | Epsom to Heathrow (24‑h pharmacy): 35 min | M25 toll (if using Dartford Crossing); check traffic |
Parking Near Key Pharmacies
- Boots Guildford (High Street): Multi‑storey car park at Bedford Road (GU1 4SJ). £2.50 for 2 hours. Free after 6:00 PM.
- Superdrug Epsom (The Ashley Centre): Ashley Centre car park. £1.80 for 1 hour, £3.50 for 2 hours.
- Royal Surrey County Hospital: Pay‑and‑display car park. £3.00 for 2 hours. Night rate (after 8:00 PM): £1.50.
10. 💷 Fines & Penalties Related to Prescriptions
Understanding the financial penalties associated with prescription misuse can save you from unexpected charges. Below is a comprehensive overview of all applicable fines in England.
| Violation | Penalty Amount | Details | Appeal Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Incorrectly claiming free NHS prescriptions | £100 (plus original charge) | If you claim free prescriptions without valid exemption (e.g., false pregnancy or income exemption). | 28 days |
| Non‑payment of penalty within 28 days | £200 | Debt recovery action may follow. Additional costs of up to £50 can be added. | 14 days after escalation |
| Providing false identity or address to obtain medication | Up to £5,000 | Criminal offence under the NHS Act 2006. Can lead to prosecution and criminal record. | N/A (court‑based) |
| Prescription fraud (forging signatures or altering prescriptions) | Unlimited fine / imprisonment | Fraud Act 2006. Maximum sentence: 10 years imprisonment. | N/A (criminal court) |
| Failure to collect a prescription within 28 days | £15 – £25 (pharmacy admin fee) | Most pharmacies charge a restocking fee if you fail to collect. NHS does not impose a fine, but the pharmacy may. | Varies by pharmacy |
Legal References:
- NHS (Penalty Charge) Regulations 2013 (SI 2013/1465) — governs penalty charges for incorrect prescription claims.
- Fraud Act 2006 (c. 35) — applies to prescription fraud and identity deception.
- NHS Act 2006 (c. 41) — section 187 covers false representations to obtain medication.
How to Appeal: If you receive a penalty notice, you can appeal in writing to the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) within 28 days. Details at NHSBSA Penalty Charges.
11. 📞 Official Addresses & Contact Information
Below are the official addresses and contact details for the key regulatory bodies, NHS trusts, and pharmacy chains operating in Central Surrey.
| Organisation | Address | Phone | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| NHS Surrey Heartlands Integrated Care Board (ICB) | 58 Church Street, Leatherhead KT22 8DQ | 01372 360000 | surreyheartlands.icb.nhs.uk |
| General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) | 25 Canada Square, London E14 5LQ | 020 7113 1300 | pharmacyregulation.org |
| NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) | Stella House, Goldcrest Way, Newburn Riverside, Newcastle upon Tyne NE15 8NY | 0191 323 6000 | nhsbsa.nhs.uk |
| Care Quality Commission (CQC) | Citygate, Gallowgate, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4PA | 0300 061 6161 | cqc.org.uk |
| Boots UK (Head Office) | 1 Thane Road West, Nottingham NG2 3AA | 0115 959 1111 | boots.com |
| Royal Surrey County Hospital Pharmacy | Egerton Road, Guildford GU2 7XX | 01483 571122 | royalsurrey.nhs.uk |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Are there any 24‑hour pharmacies in Central Surrey?
A. As of 2025, there are no community pharmacies in Central Surrey that operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The only 24‑hour pharmacy services are inside hospitals (Royal Surrey County Hospital and Epsom Hospital), and these are generally restricted to in‑patients or emergency supply. The nearest truly 24‑hour community pharmacy is Boots in central London, approximately 20 miles away.
2. What are the latest‑opening pharmacies in Central Surrey?
A. Boots in Guildford (178 High Street) is open until 8:00 PM Monday–Saturday and 6:00 PM on Sunday. Superdrug in Epsom (The Ashley Centre) closes at 7:30 PM on weekdays. Lloyds Pharmacy in Leatherhead (The Swan Centre) closes at 6:30 PM on weekdays. No pharmacy in Central Surrey currently opens beyond 8:00 PM.
3. Can I get a prescription filled at a hospital pharmacy in Central Surrey?
A. Hospital pharmacies at Royal Surrey County Hospital (Guildford) and Epsom General Hospital primarily serve in‑patients. They may provide an emergency outpatient supply if your GP cannot be reached, but they are not open to the public for routine prescriptions. You must contact the hospital pharmacy directly to confirm eligibility.
4. How much does an NHS prescription cost at a pharmacy in Central Surrey?
A. The standard NHS prescription charge in England is £9.90 per item (as of April 2025). You can purchase a Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC): £32.42 for 3 months or £114.50 for 12 months, covering all NHS prescriptions regardless of quantity.
5. What should I do if I need medication outside of pharmacy hours in Central Surrey?
A. If you need urgent medication outside regular hours, call NHS 111 (free from any phone). They can direct you to an out‑of‑hours GP, an emergency dentist, or arrange an emergency supply from an on‑call pharmacy. In life‑threatening situations, dial 999. Do not attend A&E for non‑emergency prescription requests.
6. Are 24‑hour pharmacy services more expensive than regular pharmacies?
A. For NHS prescriptions, the charge is fixed nationally (£9.90 per item) regardless of pharmacy. Private prescriptions and over‑the‑counter (OTC) medications may carry a 10‑15% premium at late‑night or hospital pharmacies. Always ask for the price before purchasing OTC items at a hospital pharmacy.
7. How long do I typically wait for a prescription at a Central Surrey pharmacy?
A. During daytime hours (9:00 AM–6:00 PM), average wait times are 15–25 minutes for a standard prescription. During late‑evening hours (after 6:00 PM), wait times can extend to 30–45 minutes due to reduced staffing. Hospital pharmacies may have shorter waits but limited public access.
8. What fines apply for incorrect NHS prescription claims in England?
A. If you incorrectly claim free NHS prescription charges (e.g., by providing false exemption details), you may receive a penalty charge notice of £100, plus the original prescription charge. If not paid within 28 days, the fine can increase to £200 and lead to debt recovery action. Always verify your exemption status before claiming free prescriptions.
Official Resources
- NHS Pharmacy Finder — search for open pharmacies near you in real time.
- NHS Penalty Charges (NHSBSA) — information about prescription penalty notices and how to appeal.
- General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) Register — verify any pharmacy or pharmacist registration.
- Care Quality Commission (CQC) — check the inspection rating of any pharmacy or hospital.
- Royal Pharmaceutical Society — professional guidance and pharmacy network information.
- NHS Prescription Charges — current charges and PPC options.
- GOV.UK – NHS Penalty Charge Notices — official government information on penalty charge notices.
Disclaimer
Important Notice: The information provided in this guide is for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or professional advice. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, pharmacy opening hours, pricing, and regulations are subject to change without notice. Always verify current information directly with the relevant pharmacy, NHS service, or regulatory body before making decisions or travelling.
Medical Disclaimer: If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 999 immediately. Do not rely on this guide for emergency medical decisions. The authors and publishers are not responsible for any loss, injury, or damage arising from the use of this information.
Legal References:
- NHS Act 2006 (c. 41) — governs NHS prescription charges and exemptions.
- NHS (Penalty Charge) Regulations 2013 (SI 2013/1465) — statutory instrument governing penalty charges for incorrect prescription claims.
- Fraud Act 2006 (c. 35) — applies to prescription fraud and identity deception.
- Human Medicines Regulations 2012 (SI 2012/1916) — governs the supply and dispensing of medicinal products in the UK.
- Health and Social Care Act 2008 (c. 14) — provides the regulatory framework for pharmacy inspection by the CQC.
Accuracy: This guide was last reviewed in April 2025. Pricing and availability data may have changed. Always consult official sources for the most current information.