Don’t leave it too late to order your repeat prescriptions

Christmas is just a week away – don’t forget to sort your repeat prescriptions.

People who are on repeat medication such as those with long term health condition, for instance asthma, diabetes, lung or heart disease, are being reminded not to leave it too late to get their repeat prescriptions.

GP practices will be closed on Christmas Day (Wednesday 25 December), Boxing Day (Thursday 26 December) and New Year’s Day (Wednesday 1 January).

Dr Penny Morris, a GP in Darwen and Medical Director at NHS Blackburn with Darwen Clinical Commissioning Group, said:

Running out of medication is a real danger for those with long term health conditions as they could end up seriously ill and even in hospital, which is the last thing anyone wants over Christmas.

My advice is to check your medication is up to date and if necessary contact your GP practice for a repeat prescription.

I would also urge people to be prepared should you become ill over the winter period. Commonly required medications are:

• Paracetamol
• Ibuprofen
• Cough medicine
• An antacid for indigestion
• Throat lozenges
• Plasters/Bandages for any cuts or scrapes”

Your local high street pharmacy can help you deal with minor illnesses and complaints such as coughs, colds, flu, stomach upsets, aches and sprains. To find your local NHS service, go to www.nhs.uk and use the free service finder.

For further information visit: https://www.nhs.uk/staywell