Scots urged to plan ahead for repeat prescriptions at Christmas time
With Christmas only a matter of weeks away, people in Lothian are being urged to plan ahead for repeat prescriptions as part of a major health campaign.
The NHS Scotland Be Ready for Winter campaign is reminding people to make sure they check any repeat prescriptions they need for themselves and those they look after ahead of time this festive period.
As well as making sure their medicine cabinets are re-stocked with commonly used remedies for minor illnesses, people are being urged to organise any required repeat prescription as soon as possible.
Dr John McAnaw, Head of Pharmacy at NHS 24, said it is important for people taking regular medication to make sure they have enough supplies to last them through to the New Year. He said: “At this time of year, with only a couple of weeks left until Christmas, people will be focused on getting organised to make sure they can make the most of the holiday period. It is important not to forget about putting winter health necessities on your ‘to do’ list.
“It also only takes a few minutes to collect some over-the-counter remedies for winter ailments. If you take regular medications, please ensure you check you have enough left to cover the holiday period. It’s also important not to over order, so only request what you need, and make sure you don’t run out of anything during that time.”
This year, GP surgeries will be closed for two days: Wednesday 25th and Thursday 26th December.
The Co-operative Pharmacy is supporting the campaign. Nisith Nathwani, Regional Development Manager for The Co-operative Pharmacy and General Council Member for Community Pharmacy Scotland, said: “We are very pleased to support NHS Scotland’s Be Ready for Winter campaign and our Co-operative Pharmacy branches up and down the country will be on hand to offer health advice and winter remedies to our local communities throughout the winter. Our pharmacists are trained to offer health and medication advice and should be the first port of call throughout the winter months.”
It is important to get prescriptions ordered and collected as early as possible, with the last day for re-ordering any repeat prescription being Thursday 19th December to be sure of getting it before Christmas.
General advice and information on how to stay healthy this winter can be found atwww.nhsinform.co.uk/winter
or contact NHS inform on 0800 22 44 88.
The four key steps that Be Ready for Winter is recommending everyone take in preparation for their health this winter are:
Restock your winter medicine cabinet
Many children and adults pick up common winter ailments such as a cold or flu-like illness. These can often be effectively treated at home with readily available medicine. Parents are reminded to restock their medicine cabinet with remedies suitable for children.
Use your local pharmacy
Your local pharmacy is an accessible resource for you and your family. Your pharmacist can offer advice or help if you have run out of any prescribed medication. You can also collect medicine for minor ailments or illnesses.
Make sure you have repeat prescriptions.
If you or someone you care for needs to re-order a medicine they regularly take, make sure you order and collect the repeat prescriptions in good time to ensure you or your family have enough medicine to last over the Christmas holiday period. Remember, only order what you need.
Know when your GP surgery will be open
Your local doctor’s surgery will be open on Tuesday 24th December then closed on Wednesday 25th and Thursday 26th December.
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