Be Christmas-ready by arranging repeat prescriptions before the end of this week

People in Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire who rely on regular medication to stay well are being advised to get their repeat prescriptions ordered now to avoid being left short during Christmas and new year period.

Pharmacists from across the region have recommended that any person nearing the end of their current supply of medication should order their next batch of medicine no later than Friday 13 December.

Getting requests in by this date will enable busy pharmacy teams to order what is needed and have the items ready well in advance of Tuesday 24 December, when most pharmacies will close for Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Missing medication could have potential consequences for people of all ages who are living with either a long or short-term condition, but the impact is often worse for those who are older or considered vulnerable.

Helen Wilkinson, Community Pharmacy Clinical Lead, Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board, said: “While Christmas is a couple of weeks away, we’re asking people who need to arrange a repeat
prescription to get this in as soon as possible.

“Pharmacy teams across the region always do whatever they can to turn prescriptions around as quickly as possible, but even when it isn’t Christmas, some of the most common prescriptions can take a week or more to be processed, so at this time of year, it’s essential to prepare early.

“We’re also asking friends and family members of people who may need assistance with ordering and collecting their prescriptions to help wherever possible.”

People can arrange their repeat prescriptions from the comfort of their own home through the NHS App, which can be downloaded for free on to any tablet or smartphone, or by calling their GP practice directly.

Most pharmacies in the region will close at the end of the day on Christmas Eve, and not reopen until the morning of Friday 27 December.

A select few will be open for a limited time on Christmas Day and Boxing Day for any people requiring an emergency prescription or help with an urgent medical condition.

Most pharmacies will also be closed on Wednesday 1 January, with a small number remaining open to provider cover for the bank holiday.

People can check the Christmas and new year opening times of their nearest pharmacy online via the NHS website at www.nhs.uk/service-search/pharmacy/find-a-pharmacy.

Further information on pharmacies and prescriptions, along with details of all other local health and care services, can be found at www.bsw.icb.nhs.uk.