Health teams across the North East and North Cumbria are encouraging everyone to be 'winter ready' by ensuring they have essential medicines at home.
With the holiday period fast approaching, people are being reminded to avoid any last-minute panics by ordering urgent repeat prescriptions well in advance and ensuring they have a well-stocked medicine cabinet.
Professor Ewan Maule, clinical director medicines and pharmacy, North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) said: "It’s crucial, especially for anyone with long-term health conditions, to have enough medication to see them through the festive season.
"Remember GP practices will be closed over the holidays, and it can take up to 72 hours for surgeries to process repeat prescriptions.
“Many pharmacies across the region will also close for Christmas on Tuesday 24 December, and won’t reopen until Friday 27 December so it's really important to make sure you order any repeat prescriptions by Thursday 19 December.”
As part of the ‘winter ready’ message, people are also being encouraged to stock up their medicine cabinets with essential items.
“While you’re out buying any last-minute Christmas gifts, remember to pick up some basic medicines for your home,” said Professor Maule.
“Having essential items like paracetamol for adults and children, plasters, indigestion remedies, and anti-diarrhoeal medicines can help you handle any unexpected minor illnesses or injuries without needing a hospital visit. If you’re unsure what to get, your local pharmacist is always available to offer advice."
Should anyone need urgent health care advice over the festive bank holidays people are encouraged to contact NHS 111 online, or by phone, helping keep accident and emergency departments for life threatening injuries and illnesses only.