Why it matters: Running out of prescription medication could have serious consequences for your health and puts additional pressure on NHS services during an already busy flu season.
The details: All GP practices and many pharmacies will be closed on Thursday, 25 December, Friday, 26 December and Thursday, 1 January.
Processing repeat prescriptions typically takes several days, particularly during busy periods when there is often a surge in demand. Patients are being advised to check their supplies now and order what they need as soon as it becomes available.
What they're saying: Dr Frankie Swords, medical director at NHS Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board, said: "Please make sure you have planned in advance so you can keep up with your usual medication routine.
"Running out of your usual medicine could have serious consequences for your health, and no one wants to put additional pressure on NHS services, when they are already so busy with the flu season, because you've run out of prescription medicine."
She added: "So please check now, and order what you need to last over the holidays, as soon as it's available for you. And, if you haven't already, consider using the NHS App, it's a fast and free way to access your repeats and lots of other useful advice and information."
For context: The NHS is also encouraging people to stock up on medicine cabinet essentials such as paracetamol, cough and cold remedies, indigestion treatments and sticking plasters to deal with minor illness and injury at home.
Patients are reminded to only order medicines they need as part of the local NHS campaign to reduce medicine waste.
What's next: Some pharmacies will remain open on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day. A full list is available here.
The bottom line: Patients who take repeat prescription medication should check their supplies now and order in advance to avoid running out during the Christmas and New Year closures, when GP practices will be shut for several days.
