As Christmas approaches, North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) is calling on the public in Greater Manchester to plan ahead and ensure they have an ample supply of necessary medications by ordering their repeat prescriptions before the festive break begins.
Winter traditionally brings additional demand for health services. Specifically, a spike in people who contact NHS 111 over the bank holidays, and many of those calls are from people who have run out of medication.
Statistics from last winter (December 2022 – February 2023) reveal that in Greater Manchester, NWAS received more than 6,000 calls to the NHS 111 service for repeat prescriptions, making it the second-highest reason for calling during that period.
Paul Johnston, senior service delivery manager for NHS 111 service at NWAS, emphasises the importance of planning ahead for medication needs, stating, "Winter is always a busy time for our NHS 111 service, especially during the festive period between Christmas and New Year. This generally leads to longer wait times for people who have called the service.
“Running out of medication can have serious consequences, and we want to remind the public to order their repeat prescriptions in advance to avoid unnecessary stress and potential health risks."
To streamline the process, NWAS encourages the use of the NHS app for convenient online prescription orders. Planning ahead can alleviate the strain on healthcare services and ensure that individuals have the medications they need, even during the busy winter months.
Repeat prescriptions are also available to order via the patient’s GP surgery or on the NHS website. If a patient does run out of medication, NHS 111 can request a limited emergency supply, but it’s always best to plan ahead.
Paul adds. “We would always recommend using the NHS 111 online service over phoning. You answer the same questions, and it will tell you what to do next. It’s available on the NHS app and website at 111.nhs.uk. Depending on what you need, you might be advised to call 999, book a call back from a nurse or be directed to the appropriate medical support.”
NHS 111 online is for people aged five and over. Patients should call NHS 111 if they need help for a child under five.
Dr Manisha Kumar, chief medical officer, NHS Greater Manchester said: “If you rely on medication for long-term conditions, please get your repeat prescription ordered this week. It’s always better to be prepared and it allows the GP practice and pharmacy time to ensure you have your prescription before the festive season. It also saves you time and ensures you can pick up your medicine from the nearest pharmacy.
“We really don’t want anyone to be caught out this Christmas and festive season by not having enough medicine. Getting your medicine ordered and collected is just as much part of the festive preparations as the tinsel, the turkey, and the tree.
“Running out of medicine can have serious consequences for some people and have a knock-on effect on other health services. In the hectic build-up to Christmas, it’s easy to forget about your prescription until it runs out. Get ahead and order it now so you can pick it up with plenty of time to go. This is also especially important if you will be staying with family and friends elsewhere in the country over the Bank Holidays.
“Pharmacies and GP practices will be busy as Christmas approaches. You can help them to help you by checking your prescription medicines now, ordering only what you need, and avoiding the festive rush.”
During the festive period, people should try and order 7 – 10 days before a prescription is due to run out.
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