Cumbria’s GPs are reminding patients to order and collect their repeat prescriptions in advance of the forthcoming holiday period.

With less than two weeks to go until Christmas, people with long-term health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, lung and heart disease are being reminded not to leave it too late to get their repeat prescriptions.

GP practices will be closed at weekend as normal and on statutory bank holidays between Christmas and New Year, which means some people need to be prepared as they may run out of their medication.

Clinical Chair of NHS Cumbria Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) Dr Hugh Reeve said: “There are around 1.5 million people in the North West who have a long term health condition. We want to make sure that people with these illnesses have a good Christmas and New Year. The last thing we want is for people to run out of their medication, become poorly and have to spend part of their holiday in hospital.

“It can be hard in the busy run up to Christmas to find time to look after yourself. However, a simple call to your GP surgery, or a visit to your high-street pharmacy could make all the difference. Your pharmacy can also give you useful advice on how to deal with winter bugs, such as coughs, colds, sore throats and the flu.”

Below is a list of NHS services across Cumbria explaining what they should be used for:

A&E and 999 - are for life threatening conditions and emergencies only

Minor Injury Units or Primary Care Assessment Services - are for treating minor injuries and illnesses

GP Surgery - if you have an illness or injury that won’t go away

Community Pharmacy - have fully trained health professionals who’ll provide quality healthcare advice

Self-Care - a well-stocked medicine cabinet can help with most minor cuts and infections such as diarrhoea, colds, flu and headaches, but seek advice if worried

For information on how to stay well this winter in Cumbria and how to choose the best health service to meet your specific needs visit www.choosewellcumbria.co.uk and for a full list of where to access NHS service visit www.nhs.uk