GPs across Craven are reminding patients to remember to order their repeat prescriptions in the Christmas rush.

GP practices and most pharmacies are closed during the Christmas and New Year bank holidays and although practices will only be closed for three days, staff are warning that it might be more difficult to get medications unless people plan ahead.

As repeat prescriptions require 48 hours’ notice, the last day these can be ordered before Christmas is Thursday, December 20.

Although some GP services will be available over the festive bank holidays, this is to help emergency services and not for routine appointments; most practices will be closed.

Bradford District and Craven clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) are also reminding people that GP practices will be closed on Tuesday, January 1, so people will also need to make sure they have enough medicines to last into the New Year.

Dr Dave Tatham, clinical lead for urgent and emergency care at the three local CCGs, said: “Christmas is a very busy time for many people, however not ordering your repeat prescriptions could mean you don’t have enough medication to get you through the period and you risk getting ill you do run out.

"Although your usual GP practice will only be closed for three days, it might be more difficult to get your medications unless you plan ahead.

“People who don’t have enough of their regular medications can also put a lot of strain on emergency services, which are there to deal with life-threatening illnesses and injuries, not to issue repeat prescriptions.

“If you do need repeat medicines during the holiday period, please call NHS 111.

"It’s free to call from a landline or mobile, open 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week and can arrange a small emergency supply until your GP practice reopens.”

Local GPs are also reminding patients of the benefits of using their local pharmacies.

Pharmacists are experts in the use of medicines and minor illnesses and can give people advice without the need for an appointment.

There are pharmacies open across Craven and Bradford over the bank holidays; a full list of those pharmacies and their opening times will be available here: https://www.bradforddistrictsccg.nhs.uk/.

If people need urgent help, but it’s not a 999 emergency, call NHS 111 for advice and direction to the most appropriate service. NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and calls are free.