Doctors advise residents to stock up medicine before Christmas

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Sunday, 9 December 2018 20:13

By Carmelo Garcia - Local Democracy Reporter

Doctors are advising residents to make sure they have enough medicine to see them through Christmas and New Year.

The county’s health and care leaders are reminding people to make sure they plan and order their repeat prescriptions early before the Christmas rush kicks in.

They also advise to stock up the medicine cabinet with common remedies for minor ailments such as coughs and colds.

Many GP practices and pharmacies will have limited opening hours between Christmas and New Year, so patients, especially those with long-term health conditions are encouraged to order and collect their repeat prescriptions in plenty of time.

Residents can order repeat medications online by using GP Online Services, a simple service that can also be used to make and cancel appointments and view medical records.

If residents are not already registered, they can find out more or ask for a registration form from their GP Surgery. If they take two forms of photo ID, they can be signed up there and then.

Dr Ian Tait, GP and NHS Herefordshire CCG Clinical Chair said: “In order to stay well, patients should make sure they have enough medicine to see them through the Christmas and New Year period.”

“It’s particularly important for those that have problems walking or are elderly or frail, especially if the weather takes a turn and we have ice or snow. No one wants to end up being admitted to hospital over the festive break so now’s the time to get organised.”

If residents require a GP appointment outside of normal working hours this winter, they should contact their GP Surgery to discuss extended access appointments in Herefordshire.

Please note that appointments outside of usual surgery times may be with another GP or at another practice.