Patients in the Harrogate district who have routine or repeat prescriptions are being asked to make sure they have enough medication to see them through the Christmas holiday period.
Dr Rob Penman, local GP and urgent care lead for the Harrogate and Rural District Clinical Commissioning Group, said:
We are urging patients to make sure they have enough medication over Christmas.
As GP practices will be closing over the Christmas and New Year holiday period, patients on repeat prescriptions may find it difficult to access their medication if they run out during this time.
In previous years the GP out-of-hours service has dealt with a large increase in patients calling to request repeat prescriptions. We want to make sure that this service is able to respond quickly to patients with a medical problem and reducing the need to issue repeat prescriptions will help us do this.
The last thing we want is for patients to suffer unnecessarily, or have an emergency episode because they did not have enough medication.
Accessing NHS services during the Christmas and New Year Period
The CCG is also raising awareness of the range of health advice and treatment options available in the Harrogate district during the holiday period:
NHS Direct
Call 0845 46 47 for confidential advice on symptoms and treatment options. Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Also available online at www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
Pharmacies
Pharmacists are qualified health professionals who offer a range of advice and treatment. No appointment is necessary. To find out which pharmacies are open over Christmas and New Year call NHS Direct or see local press for details.
GP Out-of-Hours service
If you need treatment or advice for a serious or persistent health problem that cannot wait, a GP can be contacted out of normal surgery opening times. Call your surgery’s main phone number to access this service.
Minor injuries service @ Ripon Community Hospital
There is a minor injuries service at Ripon Community Hospital, Firby Lane Ripon HG4 2PR. Open seven days a week 8am to 9pm with no appointment necessary. This service is for injuries or symptoms that need treating quickly but are not an emergency.
A&E or 999 emergency response
This is for serious or life-threatening injuries or illnesses that need immediate attention.
