Is your repeat prescription on your Christmas list?
When you are busy, it is important to take a few minutes to think about your health care by ordering and collecting any repeat prescriptions early ahead of the Christmas and New Year weekends and bank holidays when some GP practices and pharmacies will be closed.
If you or someone you care for requires medicine regularly, it’s important to make sure you order and collect repeat prescriptions in good time, to ensure you and your family have enough medicine to last over the festive period.
NHS England’s Director of Commissioning for the South West, Debra Elliott said;
“Christmas and New Year bank holidays are just around the corner, and NHS England is asking patients to plan ahead and order repeat prescriptions at least a week in advance to help both yourselves and NHS staff avoid running out of medication over the festive period.
Anyone concerned they may not have enough medication to cover the Christmas period should contact their GP surgery or local pharmacy to make arrangements and avoid a last minute rush.”
NHS England’s winter campaign encourages patients and NHS staff to work together and Help Us, Help You by following advice from health care workers to help us, help you, stay well, prevent illness, and take the best course of action to get well again sooner.
Visit your pharmacy – If you are beginning to feel unwell, don’t wait for it to get worse. Visit your local pharmacist for advice, click here for opening times in your area.
Dial 111 – If you need help urgently call 111 for advice, assessment and to be directed to the best treatment.
Visit your GP – This winter more appointments are available at your local GP at evenings and weekends.
It’s not too late to get your free flu vaccination – If you have a long term condition, are pregnant, or 65 and over – you can receive your vaccination from your GP or local pharmacy. If you have children aged 2 or 3 please arrange an appointment with your GP. Children from Reception to school year 5 will receive their vaccination at school.