Final plea to order your repeat prescriptions in time for Christmas
Wednesday, 11 December 2024
The NHS in Cheshire and Merseyside is putting out a final plea to the public to check their regular medications and order any repeat prescriptions they might need early to avoid running out of essential medication over Christmas.
Last winter North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) received over 18,000 calls via NHS 111 for repeat prescriptions alone, the third most common reason for calls. 32% of these calls came from people in Cheshire and Merseyside.
In order to keep lines clear for those who need urgent health advice and help, members of the public are being asked to order any repeat prescriptions by Friday 13 December, which will ensure that they are available in time for the holiday period.
The quickest and easiest way to order repeat prescriptions is by using the NHS App. You can order your medication at a time that’s convenient for you and choose which pharmacy you would like to collect them from.
You can also use the NHS App to book and manage appointments, view your GP health record, check your vaccinations and more – putting you in better control of your own health.
Remember to check what medicines you have at home before you order your repeat prescriptions. If you have enough, only request the medicines you need to avoid unnecessary medicine waste.
Dr Fiona Lemmens, Deputy Medical Director for NHS Cheshire and Merseyside said:
“Winter is an extremely busy time for health services, especially during the festive period between Christmas and New Year. Downloading and using the NHS App is a simple step people can take to help the NHS and take better control of their health.
“With just a few taps you can order repeat medications and access a range of other NHS services too, making the NHS App a convenient way to manage your health needs at home. This is great for us GPs too, as it frees up more of our time to support patients who are very unwell, so please do use it if you are able to.”
You can download the NHS App on your smartphone or tablet via Google play or the App store. You can also access the same services in a web browser by logging in through the NHS website. If you’re struggling to get started, use the ‘Help’ button in the app or visit nhs.uk/helpmeapp.
Susanne Lynch MBE, Chief Pharmacist for NHS Cheshire and Merseyside said:
“The NHS App makes it easier than ever to order the repeat prescriptions you need at any time of day to a pharmacy of your choice – all without picking up the phone or leaving the house.
“When ordering medication online it’s important to plan ahead. We recommend that you order your repeat prescriptions seven days in advance. Don’t wait until you’re just about to run out, as it can take time for your request to be approved by your GP and prepared by the pharmacy – especially during the busy festive period.
“Please also remember to only order what you need to avoid unnecessary waste. Every year a large amount of medicine goes unused, which costs the NHS around £300 million annually. Before making a request, check what medicines you have at home and only order what you are running low on.”
GP practices will be closed during the Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day bank holidays. Many pharmacies will also be closed or operating on reduced hours. To find your nearest pharmacy and check their opening times, visit www.nhs.uk/find-a-pharmacy.
Repeat prescriptions are available to order via the NHS App, online or via patient GP surgeries. Find out more about how to order repeat prescriptions.
For urgent help while your GP practice is closed, go to 111.nhs.uk, call 111 or access NHS 111 via the NHS App. For life-threatening emergencies only, dial 999.