With the winter holidays fast approaching, Healthwatch Gateshead and Healthwatch Newcastle are encouraging patients across the area to order and collect their repeat prescriptions early to avoid potential holiday disruptions.
This year, with the bank holidays for Christmas and New Year’s Day reducing the number of working days for GP practices and pharmacies, it’s especially important for patients to be prepared. Yvonne Probert, CEO of Tell Us North, which manages Healthwatch services in Newcastle and Gateshead, emphasised the need to plan ahead:
“With the additional winter pressures on the NHS, it’s crucial for people to ensure they have enough medication to cover the holiday period. The NHS 111 service often receives many calls from people who have run out of their medicines, so we urge everyone to check their supply now. We understand that the run up to the festive season is a busy time, but a few moments spent now to check medication could make a real difference.”
She also expressed gratitude for the hard work of health and social care teams, and local charities and volunteers who have supported communities throughout this last year.
Repeat prescriptions can be ordered through many GP practices and to find your nearest pharmacy, visit www.nhs.uk/service-search/pharmacy/find-a-pharmacy.
Healthwatch Gateshead and Healthwatch Newcastle gather and represent the voices of those using local health and social care services, helping to drive ongoing improvements.
Photo: Yvonne Probert and Lewis Brown of Healthwatch (Highlights PR)
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