DOCTORS in Cumbria have warned patients to get their repeat prescriptions ordered ahead of the Christmas break.

With less than three weeks to go, people with long term health conditions like asthma, diabetes, lung and heart disease are being reminded not to leave it too late.

Surgeries will be closed for four consecutive days this Christmas – Christmas Day and Boxing Day and then over the weekend - which means some people need to be prepared as they may run out of medication, said officials.

GP practices will also be closed on Wednesday January 1 for the first public holiday of 2015.

Dr David Rogers, NHS Cumbria Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) Medical Director, said: “There are many people living with long term conditions in Cumbria, for example 11,000 people are diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease known as COPD.

"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."

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

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

Community Pharmacy - have fully trained health professionals who’ll provide quality healthcare advice (a full list with opening hours is available on NHS Choices via www.nhs.uk

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

Out-of-hours GP services - If you urgently need GP assistance over the festive bank holidays and weekends call Cumbria Health on Call (CHoC) on 03000 247 247 (Urgent appointments are for patients whose health may deteriorate if they have to wait longer than 24 hours to see a GP or nurse practitioner and not for routine repeat prescriptions)

Minor Injury Units or Primary Care Assessment Services - are for treating minor injuries and illnesses A&E and 999 - are for life threatening conditions and emergencies only.

For information on how to choose the best health service to meet your needs visit www.choosewellcumbria.co.uk and for a full list of where to access NHS service and advice 24/7 visit www.nhs.uk