NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire is urging residents to make sure they have enough supply of any medications they need by ordering their repeat prescriptions early and getting their medicine cabinet stocked up with essentials this Christmas and New Year.
Last minute orders can put a strain on pharmacy resources, so residents are being encouraged to order their prescriptions in advance so that GPs can sign them off in time.
Residents should look to order and collect their prescriptions before 21 December 2022 to make sure they have all the medications they need.
Opening hours for local pharmacies over the Christmas and New Year period can be found here.
The NHS is also calling on people to use 111 online first if they need health care but it is not life threatening. Trained advisors at 111 online will be able to advise on the best place for people to go for their needs.
From treating a cold or food poisoning to burns and sports injuries there are a host of NHS services here to help over the Christmas and New Year period.
As we visit friends and family we know minor accidents will happen. The Urgent Treatment Centres on London Road, Nottingham and at Newark Hospital can treat all those minor scrapes that can happen when falling off a bike or suffering from a burn after cooking the Christmas dinner.
Amanda Sullivan, Chief Executive for NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire said: “If you rely on medication for long term conditions, don’t leave it too late to order your repeat prescriptions, start thinking about this now and get your orders in. Pharmacies may change their opening hours over Christmas and New Year, so it’s best to be prepared.
“Pharmacists are also there for you for help with common ailments should you need them. They are highly qualified health professionals who can give free, confidential advice and help you get the right medications for everyday illnesses.
“It’s also important to note that if you need urgent care over Christmas and New Year but it is not life-threatening there’s a range of health care services that can help. If you are unsure which service is most appropriate, visit 111 online they can direct you to the best services for you.
“This will help people get the most appropriate care for them in the best setting and may save many waiting longer than they or we would like in our A&Es across the county, so I would urge people to use 111 first if they can.”
Urgent treatment centres can help with many conditions such as strains, suspected broken bones, minor head injuries, as well as minor burns, rashes and emergency contraception.
If it’s a cold you need to look after Community Pharmacists are open and can help treat the problem there and then. You can find opening hours for your local pharmacy over Christmas and New Year here.