Residents who have repeat prescriptions are being urged to check they have enough for the festive period when several pharmacies won’t be working usual hours.
Many GP practices and pharmacies will have different opening hours over Christmas and New Year and will be closed on Christmas day and Boxing Day then again over the New Year period on Wednesday 1st January 2025 – making it harder for patients to access medicines at short notice.
NHS Greater Manchester is reminding anyone who takes regular medicines on repeat prescription to check they have enough to last them through the holidays and any Christmas getaways – making sure they order what they need to tide them over from their GP surgery by today at the latest.
Every bank holiday and festive season, NHS 111 sees huge increases in people getting in touch because they’ve run out of a prescription medicine.
Chief Pharmacist for NHS Greater Manchester, Kenny Li said: “It’s important for anyone who takes medication regularly to ensure they have enough to last them over Christmas and New Year – especially if you are planning any trips to see family in another part of the country, or abroad – so that you don’t risk running out.
“Planning ahead, re-stocking your medicine cabinets with both prescription and everyday medicines for cold and flu and knowing when your GP practice and local pharmacy is open means you have one less thing to worry about so you can simply enjoy the festivities with family and friends.
"But please still ensure that you’re only ordering prescription medication if you need it so that we don’t risk any shortages for those that really do.
“Ordering your repeat prescription has never been easier – either put your order in through the NHS App or order as you usually would.”
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