Order and collect your prescription medicine well in advance before Christmas
Vale of York residents are being encouraged to collect their prescription medicine and stock up on winter remedies well in advance to stay well over the Christmas and new year holidays.
GP surgeries and most pharmacies will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, so people on repeat prescription medication are advised to order and collect their prescriptions at least a week before the holidays to ensure they don’t run out of essential medicine over the festive season.
Christmas can be a busy time so it’s easy to forget to order prescriptions, but taking a few minutes to order and collect any essential medicine you will require well in advance will save you a lot of worry over the holidays.
It’s also a good idea to have a well-stocked medicine cabinet so you’re well prepared if you’re unlucky enough to become unwell over the Christmas and new year period when access to your GP might be limited.
You might want to keep an adequate supply of:
- Paracetamol and Ibuprofen
- Decongestants
- Cough medicines and throat lozenges
- Antihistamines
- Heartburn and indigestion medicine
- Anti-diarrhoea
- Antiseptic cream/wipes
- Plasters
Many illnesses are self-limiting, meaning they will eventually clear up on their own, so they can be treated at home using over-the-counter products from your local pharmacy.
These videos, featuring GPs from the Vale of York, explain how to treat a number of common winter illnesses and ailments: www.bit.ly/winterGPvideos
Dr Nigel Wells, NHS Vale of York Clinical Commissioning Group Clinical Chair and a local GP, said: “The lead-up to Christmas can be a busy time for the public and health services alike, so those on repeat prescriptions are advised to order them at least a week in advance so that they can enjoy the festive season in good health.
“Having a well-stocked medicine cabinet full of over-the-counter remedies from your local pharmacy is also recommended so you can treat any common illnesses or ailments at home.
“Some Vale of York pharmacies will be open on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day and are the best place to go for help with minor health concerns. You should use the NHS 111 phone or online service if you require urgent medical help or advice for a non-life-threatening condition; or call 999 if you have a medical emergency, such as breathing difficulties, chest pains or if you’ve been in a serious accident.”
