Pharmacists' warning ahead of Christmas and New Year - the date you should order prescriptions by

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

Pharmacists have issued a warning to people in Greater Manchester as the Christmas and New Year holidays approach. The region's leading pharmacists are reminding the public to order repeat prescriptions in good time.

Many GP practices and pharmacies will have different opening hours over Christmas and New Year and will be closed on Wednesday 25th December and Thursday 26th December, then again over the New Year period on Wednesday 1st January 2025 – making it harder for patients to access medicines at short notice.

Greater Manchester's NHS is reminding anyone who takes regular medicines on repeat prescription to check they have enough to last them through the holidays and any Christmas getaways – making sure they order what they need to tide them over from their GP surgery by Friday 13th December at the latest. READ MORE: Greater Manchester is already struggling with its A&Es - as the NHS warns 'this will be the toughest winter ever' Every bank holiday and festive season, NHS 111 sees huge increases in people getting in touch because they’ve run out of a prescription medicine, says NHS Greater Manchester.

This could result in increased pressure on already stretched emergency and urgent care services. "By being prepared, you can save yourself time and ensure NHS 111 is there for those who really need it during the busy winter months. "But in the event that they don’t have enough, please do still contact NHS 111 who will be able to help," said a spokesperson for the health service.