Medicines Reminder Before Christmas

People who are on regular repeat prescriptions in Scotland are being urged to plan ahead to make sure they have enough to last over the holiday period.

The NHSScotland Be Health-Wise this Winter campaign is reminding people to make sure they order any required repeat prescriptions and pick it up in plenty of time.  This year's campaign features the wise and memorable Dr Owl who is urging people to organise any repeat prescription as soon as possible and make sure they have cold and flu remedies to deal with common illnesses circulating at this time of year.

Dr John McAnaw, Head of Pharmacy at NHS 24, said it is important for people taking regular medication to make sure they have enough supplies to last them through to the New Year:

"At this time of year, with only a couple of weeks left until Christmas, people will be focused on getting organised to make sure they can make the most of the holiday period. It is important not to forget about putting winter health necessities on your 'to do' list.

"It also only takes a few minutes to collect some over-the-counter remedies for common winter ailments. If you take regular prescription medicines, please ensure you check you have enough left to cover the holiday period. It's also important not to over order, so only request what you need, and make sure you don’t run out of anything during that time."

This year, GP surgeries throughout most of the country will be closed for four days at Christmas (25-28 December), before re-opening on Monday 29th December and again for four days at New Year (1-4 January), before re-opening again on Monday 5th January.

Community Pharmacy Scotland is supporting this year's campaign. CEO Harry McQuillan said: 

"Community pharmacies up and down Scotland are willing to play their part to help patients, and the wider NHS, at this busy time of year. We have an accessible and skilled workforce to help support patient need around their medicines and other general health queries."

The Co-operative Pharmacy is also supporting the campaign. Nisith Nathwani, Regional Development Manager for The Co-operative Pharmacy, said: 

"We are very pleased to support NHS Scotland’s Be Ready for Winter campaign and our Co-operative Pharmacy branches throughout the country will be on hand to offer health advice and winter remedies to our local communities during the winter season.
"Our pharmacists are trained to offer health and medicines advice and should be the first port of call for minor illnesses during the winter months.2

It is important to get prescriptions ordered and collected as early as possible, with the last day for re-ordering any repeat prescription being Friday 19th December to be sure of getting it before Christmas.

General advice and information on how to stay healthy this winter can be found at www.nhsinform.co.uk/winter or contact NHS inform on 0800 22 44 88.