Hertfordshire residents encouraged to order repeat prescription to avoid running out over festive period
Last-minute requests can cause stress and put pressure on NHS services
NHS leaders in Hertfordshire and west Essex are encouraging people to plan ahead and order repeat prescriptions early to ensure they have the medication they need over the festive period.
With GP practices closed on Christmas bank holidays and fewer pharmacies operating, getting prescriptions at short notice might not be possible. For this reason, NHS teams are asking people to avoid last-minute requests by planning their medication needs in advance.
Repeat prescriptions can be ordered easily using the NHS App, your GP practice website, or by contacting your GP practice directly if you don’t use the internet.
Chief Pharmacist Anurita Rohilla from the NHS Hertfordshire and West Essex Integrated Care Board highlighted the issue, saying:
“Every year, hundreds of local people run out of the medication they need over bank holidays. Not only does this cause unnecessary stress, but running out of essential medications could affect your health. Last-minute requests also put added pressure on NHS services when they’re typically busier than normal.
“Give yourself peace of mind by planning ahead with ordering and collecting repeat prescriptions for yourself or those you care for.”
NHS teams recommend ordering your medication when you’re running low, which is usually seven to 10 days before you need them. Adding reminders to calendars can help ensure prescriptions are requested on time.
Pharmacy services during the holidays
Rohilla also suggested checking local pharmacy opening times during the festive season to ensure you can pick up prescriptions when needed.
She added: “While you’re there, you can stock up on medicine cabinet essentials such as painkillers, indigestion remedies, cough and cold remedies, and a first aid kit so you can treat minor illnesses or injuries at home.”
For minor illnesses or injuries, pharmacy teams can provide advice and treatment through the Pharmacy First scheme, which includes prescription medicines for sore throats, earache, sinusitis, impetigo, infected insect bites, shingles, and uncomplicated urinary tract infections. Age restrictions apply, and full details can be found online.
Emergency help and resources
If you run out of your prescription medication over the bank holiday weekend, you can request an emergency prescription through NHS 111. Additional information can be found at www.hertsandwestessex.ics.nhs.uk/meds .
To locate pharmacies near you during the festive period, use the ‘Find a Pharmacy’ tool on the NHS website: www.nhs.uk/find-a-pharmacy .
The NHS app, which makes ordering repeat prescriptions simple, is available for download on Google Play and the Apple Store.