NHS England has issued an alert over prescriptions amid changes to pharmacy and GP opening times over Christmas.
North West Chief Pharmacist Karen O’Brien has advised that repeat prescriptions need to be ordered by December 16 – giving people just a five-day window to prepare for their healthcare needs all the way up to the new year.
Officials say this cut-off ensures there’s ample time for any kinks to be worked out between GP practices and pharmacies, secures the needed stock of specific meds, and sorts out the ensuing prescription before the bank holidays start.
It’s all the more crucial given the extra pressure the NHS faces over Christmas when winter bugs are rampant.
Karen said: “Keeping medicine cabinets stocked, knowing when GP practices are open and planning for repeat prescriptions will ensure you can make the most of Christmas and New Year. Running out of your usual medication can have serious consequences, especially if you use them to control a heart condition, breathing problems or have a health condition such as diabetes.”
Most pharmacies will be fully shut on December 25, December 26 and January 1, as well as potentially operating reduced hours in between.
As repeat prescriptions rank third among the most common reasons for calling 111, the NHS is urging patients to take a more hands-on, proactive approach to arranging their medication well in advance.
With the deadline only days away, Karen suggested that using online GP services via the NHS app or your GP practice’s website is the “easiest way” to order a repeat prescription.
For those who lack online access, she recommends calling your GP surgery directly.
Despite various closures, urgent emergency services within the NHS, such as the 999 and 111 hotlines for accidents and non-urgent advice respectively, will remain operational.
The North West Ambulance Service is particularly keen to handle the high influx of 111 calls for repeat prescriptions over the festive period, aiming to build on the significant 25% drop achieved by last year’s campaign.
