Are repeat prescriptions on your Christmas list this festive season?

With the festive season fast approaching, health and care experts at NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin are urging residents to enjoy the Christmas period in good health by making sure they have enough of the medications they need by ordering prescriptions early.

Some pharmacies and GP practices will close over the Bank Holidays, so patients are being asked to check their supply and order 14 days before they are due to run out. The Bank Holidays take place on Monday 25 December, Tuesday 26 December and Monday 1 January.

For patients whose GP practice is part of the Prescription Ordering Direct (POD) service, repeat prescriptions can be ordered from the comfort of your own home by completing an online form. Or for urgent requests, you can contact the POD hotline on 03333 583 509.

Dr Nick White, Chief Medical Officer at NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, said: “If you rely on medication for long-term conditions - don’t leave it too late to order your repeat prescriptions for the festive period. Start thinking about this now and get your orders in, it’s always better to be prepared. It saves you time, minimises delay and ensures you can pick up your medicine from the nearest pharmacy.

“Running out of medicine can have serious consequences for some patients and have a knock-on effect on other health services, as people may turn to A&E because they haven’t got the medicines they need. It is important that people plan to pick up repeat prescriptions so they can enjoy the season in good health.”

By checking and refreshing medicine cabinets ahead of the Bank Holidays, people can minimise disruption and be better prepared to self-care for minor illnesses such as coughs, colds, headaches and diarrhoea which can spoil festive gatherings. A well-stocked medicine cabinet should be checked regularly for expiry dates and kept out of reach of children.

GP practices or local pharmacy may be closed this festive season, however a range of NHS services are still available depending on medical need. Residents can find out more about health and care services across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin by visiting the ‘Think Which Service’ campaign webpage for further information.

Denis Mulcahy, Community Pharmacist at Green End Pharmacy, Whitchurch, added: “Winter can be a difficult time for health and social care professionals. Demand will be extremely high, and we encourage everyone across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin to ‘Think Which Service’ to ensure they are seen by the right professional, at the right time, in the right place.

“Pharmacists are here to help with common ailments. We are highly qualified health professionals who offer free, confidential advice and can help you get the right medications for everyday illnesses. By visiting a community pharmacy in the first instance you may also get seen quicker as most of the time you don’t need an appointment.”

To check the Bank Holiday opening times of local pharmacies, please click here. You can find out if your GP practice uses the POD service, as well as helpful information, by clicking here.