GPs are urging patients to make sure they have enough medicine for Christmas and New Year.

If you or someone you care for requires medicines regularly, make sure you order and collect repeat prescriptions ensuring you have enough medicine.

Dr Catherine Bennett, local GP and Cambridgeshire and Peterborough CCG prescribing lead, said, “being prepared is important. Many calls to the out of hours service are for emergency repeat prescriptions when people have run out.”

Ordering and collecting new prescriptions can take a week. They can be ordered by patients through their pharmacist or visiting the GP Surgery, some practices offering an online ordering system.

“And don’t forget to stock up on essential medicines so you can treat minor illnesses and injuries at home. Your local pharmacist can provide advice on self-care and you can purchase basic medication for pain relief, coughs, colds and upset stomachs along with contraception,” added Dr Bennett.

To find your local pharmacy got to www.nhs.uk/Service-Search/Pharmacy/LocationSearch/10