The NHS North West’s Chief Pharmacist is reminding people not to leave it too late to order repeat prescriptions ahead of the Christmas break.

Every bank holiday the NHS 111 phone service sees huge increases in people contacting it about repeat prescriptions – and over the Jubilee Bank Holiday earlier this year saw calls rising from 801 calls in the three days before the Jubilee Bank Holiday to 4,287 in the first three days of the Jubilee weekend.

Karen O’Brien MBE leads the pharmacy service across the region and has advised that any repeat prescriptions will need to be ordered before Monday 19 December at the latest.

GP practices and pharmacies will have limited opening hours over the Christmas period, and many will be closed from Friday 23 December ^d to Wednesday 28 December, and again over the New Year period, making it more challenging for patients to access medicines at short notice. Waiting and using emergency or urgent services over the festive break puts added pressure on already busy services.

Karen said: “By re-stocking medicine cabinets, knowing when your GP practice is open and planning ahead for repeat prescriptions, people can ensure they make the most of the festive period.

“Running out of your usual medication can have serious consequences, especially if you use them to control heart and breathing problems or a health condition such as diabetes, and is the last thing you want to do while your friends and family are celebrating.”

Regional Chief Pharmacist – NHS England North West

You will need to check with your GP practice how much notice they need to issue a prescription. Most GP practices need a minimum of 48 hours’ notice to issue a repeat prescription. Any repeat medicines needed over the bank holiday should be ordered before Monday 19 December, at the latest, to make sure there is enough time for them to be processed and dispensed. Community pharmacies also generally need between 24  – 48 hours from when they receive a repeat prescription to prepare medicines.

Karen was awarded an MBE in 2021 in recognition of her contribution to pharmacy services.  She worked as a pharmacist in Greater Manchester and has worked across the region, before being appointed as Chief Pharmacist in 2020.  She has played a key role in the region’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Karen added: “The easiest way to order repeat prescriptions is by using GP online services, via the NHS App or through your GP practice website. If you do not have access to GP online services, you can phone your GP practice to order prescriptions.”

If people feel unwell over the bank holiday weekend, they can check their symptoms and get access to advice using 111.nhs.uk online. NHS 111 is a free service which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.