Plan ahead and order repeat prescriptions before Christmas

Many GP practices and pharmacies will have limited opening hours between Christmas and New Year, so Wiltshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is reminding patients to plan ahead to ensure they have enough medication to last over the festive break.

Alex Goddard, deputy head of medicines management at Wiltshire CCG said, “As you get ready for Christmas, the last thing on your mind might be to check that you have enough medicine.  However being prepared is important to ensure that you have enough of the medication you need.

“Because of the bank holidays and the amount of winter illnesses circulating at this time of year, your GP practice and pharmacy may be busier than normal. Ordering your prescription early means you can save yourself some time and help to ease the pressure on the NHS.”

Ordering and collecting new prescriptions can take several days, which is why patients are being urged to plan ahead. Prescriptions can be ordered by patients visiting, or phoning their pharmacy or GP practice, with some practices offering a quick and easy online ordering system.

Seven Wiltshire practices, including Giffords Surger in Melksham, also use the Prescription Ordering Direct (POD) service, which allows patients to order their repeat prescriptions over the phone, then collect them from a pharmacy.

Alex continued, “The last thing we want for our patients is having their bank holiday spoilt by not being able to take regular medication.

“Check now that you have enough daily medication to see you through the break.  If you don’t, call into your pharmacist, local GP or ring the POD so that you get your repeat prescription in good time.”