Aneurin Bevan University Health Board is advising people to order repeat prescriptions in advance to avoid running out of medication on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, when all GP surgeries and the majority of community pharmacies will be closed.
With limited access to dispensaries on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, patients are encouraged to order repeat prescriptions at least seven working days before they are needed.
Richard Evans, Community Pharmacy Lead for Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, said: “Our community pharmacies and GP Surgeries work extremely hard all year round to meet the needs of local residents and provide them with the best service possible, but the Christmas period can be a particularly busy and demanding time for us as we see a higher number of prescription requests in the weeks before the bank holidays.”
Mr Evans continued: “We always ask patients to order their repeat prescriptions at least 7 working days before they need it, but this is particularly important over this busy period, as there are a higher number of requests to process and we wouldn’t want anyone to be without their regular medication.
“You can help your local pharmacy and GP Surgery help you by planning ahead, and if your repeat prescription is due over the Christmas period, please order it in enough time for it to be processed.”
A small number of pharmacies will be open for limited hours during the bank holidays, but the health board has stressed these are for urgent needs only.
The full timetable of pharmacy opening hours is available on the health board’s website.
The health board also reminded the public to make use of other healthcare options over the festive period.
Anyone in need of urgent medical help over the Christmas period should visit the Gwent Health Guide to find where they can go for help.