PATIENTS are being urged to ease the pressure on health services in South Warwickshire over Christmas by not leaving it too late to order repeat prescriptions.
NHS South Warwickshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) issued the reminder after GP Practices, NHS 111 and Accident and Emergency departments were last year inundated with requests from people who had failed to order medication in time.
Dr Ian Allwood, Stratford GP and member practice representative for NHS South Warwickshire CCG, said: “Many people with long term conditions rely on their prescribed medication to help them keep their condition under control.
“So it’s important that patients have enough medicine to see them through the festive period. With GP practices closed over the Christmas bank holidays, it’s important to order repeat prescriptions at least a week in advance so that the season can be enjoyed in good health.
“Now is also a good time to double check that home medicine cabinets are well stocked with over-the-counter remedies so that minor illnesses and injuries can be managed at home. Local pharmacies can provide useful advice and deal with minor ailments without people having to see their GP about winter bugs like coughs, colds, sore throats, stomach upsets and flu.”
Many GP practices will have limited opening hours during the festive holidays and the majority of pharmacies will also be closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Satyan Kotecha, of Warwickshire Local Pharmaceutical Committee said: “December is a busy time for every one including community pharmacies. It is important that people who need regular medication don’t leave it to the last minute.
“Pharmacies are available to help if you run out of your medicine over the festive period but prevention is better than cure.”
