PATIENTS are being reminded to order and collect their repeat prescriptions in advance of the Christmas holiday period.
With less Christmas next week, people with long term health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, lung and heart disease are being reminded not to leave it too late.
GP practices will be closed on weekends 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.
Dr Hugh Reeve, clinical chair of NHS Cumbria Clinical Commissioning Group, 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.”
The group issued a list of NHS services across Cumbria explaining what they should be used for:
A&E and 999 - for life threatening conditions and emergencies only
Minor Injury Units or Primary Care Assessment Services - for treating minor injuries and illnesses
GP Surgery - if you have an illness or injury that won’t go away
Community Pharmacy - 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
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