PEOPLE on the Isle of Wight who need repeat prescriptions over the Christmas period are being reminded to plan ahead.

GP surgeries and a number of pharmacies are likely to alter their opening hours over Christmas and the New Year which may mean patients will be unable to collect any prescribed medication if they run out.

Local doctors are reminding people who could be affected to prepare now to avoid any complications over Christmas.

Dr Michele Legg, Clinical Chair at Isle of Wight Clinical Commissioning Group on behalf of the local NHS said: “This is the time of year that we often overload ourselves with festive things to think about and as a result we can sometimes forget other important, but routine things.

“If you rely on repeat prescriptions, it is important to check now if you have enough to last over Christmas and New Year. I know it’s adding to the list, but why not call it a gift to yourself, it will make all the difference in the long run.

“By helping to manage your own health and wellbeing over the next few weeks, you will also be freeing up time for frontline staff over a particularly busy period so that they can care for those who really need urgent care or support”.

The deadline for repeat prescription orders is Friday December 14 to ensure you get your medication in time for Christmas. Details of pharmacy opening hours over the festive period will be made available nearer the time via the Isle of Wight CCG website. They should also be displayed in store at your local pharmacy.

If you do not rely on repeat prescriptions, you can still prepare for illness by keeping a good self-care kit at home; this will help reduce the need to visit a doctor or pharmacist. Visit https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/your-medicine-cabinet/ for more information.

Like all medicines, a self-care kit should be kept in a secure, dry place, out of reach of children and pets. Medicines should be kept in their original containers and disposed of if past their use-by date.