GPs in Jersey can now issue 90 days of medicine on prescription.

Previously drugs could be only issued for 30 days before a repeat or visit to the doctor was needed.

The Social Security Minister has made the change as part of a £12 million package - announced in May - to support pharmacies, free up GP time and reduce costs and inconvenience for islanders.

Dr Adrian Noon says it's good news for patients with long term health conditions, but that there are safeguards:

"The change to the law to increase the maximum period of supply for prescription medicines will allow GPs to follow guidance issued by the British Medical Association, that the period of supply for any medicine should be selected considering the circumstance of the patient.

Some medicines will still need to be issued over 30-days, particularly in the case of a new medicine which the patient may not tolerate or if the patient has a condition that needs frequent monitoring.

However most people receiving routine repeat prescriptions need to be reviewed only annually and would be appropriate for a longer period of supply. This will mean fewer trips to the GP practice and to the pharmacy."

Dr Noon says the transition from 30 days to 90 days supply could be a gradual process at surgeries as GPs review patient records and update the appropriate prescribing periods.