Cambridgeshire pharmacies speak of high demand for pre-Christmas prescriptions
People are being advised to make their orders by today
Health bosses in Cambridgeshire are telling those who need prescribed medication this Christmas not to leave their orders too late.
Only some pharmacies will be open over the bank holiday period, meaning prescriptions may not be able to be picked up at short notice.
The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Integrated Care System says late requests for medication could add pressure for the likes of GP practices and pharmacies.
Anil Sharma owns several pharmacies in the county, and has seen a rise in demand:
"We are absolutely flat out, not just in our pharmacies but in others people are off with Covid and absences like this makes it difficult to keep on top of all the prescriptions we're getting," he said.
"We probably do 20% more prescriptions at Christmas than we do in November or January."
Health chiefs are recommending people make their prescription orders by today so that they can arrive within a 5-day window.
"The pharmacies need time to get your prescriptions ready and there are various factors that are causing delays in that," Mr Sharma added.
"If they order by Monday, they'll get it by Friday; if they order by Tuesday, most likely they'll get it by Friday but if they want delivery, maybe not."
Festive period is 'good time to stock up' on medication
People who need prescriptions are also being recommended to get fresh supplies of medicine over the Christmas-New Year period.
Sati Ubhi, chief pharmacist at NHS Cambridgeshire & Peterborough, said planning ahead is essential at busier times.
"Running out of your usual medication can have serious consequences; ny ordering medicines as soon as possible, it allows enough time for it to be processed and dispensed and helps avoid a last-minute rush," she said.
"It’s helpful to make a note of your local pharmacy’s opening times over the festive season.
"It’s also a good time to stock up on medicine cabinet essentials such as pain killers, cough and cold remedies and a first aid kit so you can treat minor illnesses or injuries at home."
As well as visiting a GP or pharmacist, NHS Cambridgeshire & Peterborough people make repeat prescription request through local GP practice websites or through the NHS App.