Bosses at the region’s new NHS 111 urgent care service are urging people to put repeat prescriptions on their Christmas checklists alongside the turkey, tinsel and TV guide.
The NHS 111 service receives a significant number of calls from patients who have run out of their regular medication and is asking people to check that they have sufficient stocks to last them over the forthcoming festive break.
Dr Philip Foster, associate medical director of the NHS 111 service in Yorkshire and the Humber, Bassetlaw, North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire, warns: “It’s a very busy time of year and people can easily forget to check that they have enough medication to see them through Christmas and the New Year.
“We are reminding people to request repeat prescriptions from their GP in the next few days so they can enjoy the festivities without the worry of running out of vital tablets and medicines. If you have relatives or friends coming to stay with you, please remind them to pack their medicines alongside their presents.
“We are also asking everyone to ensure that they have a well-stocked medicine cabinet so that if they fall ill with common winter ailments such as colds and coughs or diarrhoea and vomiting they can treat themselves at home.”
Be prepared for most common ailments by keeping a well-stocked medicine cabinet at home - log on to http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Pharmacy/Pages/Yourmedicinecabinet.aspx and check out health advice on treating common winter illnesses at NHS Choices http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/winterhealth/Pages/Winterhealthrisks.aspx