WITH Christmas approaching, Yorkshire’s NHS 111 service is reminding the people of Barnsley to order and collect repeat prescriptions before GP surgeries and pharmacies close for the holidays.
Hundreds of patients call NHS 111 during the festive season because they have run out of their regular medication, leading to unnecessary worry for themselves and increasing pressure on urgent care and out-of-hours NHS services.
Dr Eithne Cummins, GP and clinical director for integrated urgent care at Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust, said: “The NHS 111 service will be very busy over the Christmas and New Year period. Many people need repeat medication to manage long-term conditions and most remember to order and collect their prescriptions before Christmas, which is helpful and appreciated.
“However, in the busy build-up to the holidays, it’s easy to forget and this can lead to problems once GP practices close for Christmas. So, if you think you might need more medication over Christmas and the New Year, save yourself the worry and re-order your prescription while there is still plenty of time for it to be processed and dispensed.
“Not only will you be doing yourself a favour, you’ll also be helping the NHS by reducing pressure on busy urgent care services over the Christmas period.”
