Advice on repeat prescriptions

With just two weeks to go until Christmas, people with long term health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, lung and heart disease are being reminded not to leave it too late to get their repeat prescriptions.

Many GP practices will have limited opening hours between Christmas and New Year, which means some people may struggle if they run out of their medication.

Dr Chris Clayton, Clinical Chief Officer at NHS Blackburn with Darwen Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said: “There are around 1.5 million people in the North West who have a long term health condition.

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“We want to make sure that people with these illnesses have a good Christmas and New Year.

“There is a real danger that if they have problems with their medication, they could end up seriously ill and even in hospital, which is the last thing they want over Christmas.”

Dr Mike Ions, Chief Clinical Officer at NHS East Lancashire CCG, said: “My advice is to check if your medication is up to date and if necessary contact your GP for a repeat prescription or for a check-up.

“I would also urge people to be prepared should you become ill over the winter period. Every home should have a basic medicine cabinet stocked with paracetamol, ibuprofen, cough medicine, an antacid for indigestion, throat lozenges and plasters/bandages for any cuts or scrapes”