Get ready for Christmas by ordering your prescriptions early, is the message from health experts at NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin.

With Christmas and New Year fast approaching, NHS leaders are keen to ensure that people across the county have enough of their routine medication and prescriptions.

With some pharmacies and GP practices closed over the Bank Holidays, patients are being asked to check they have the required supply of prescribed medication.

Pharmacies across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin are asking patients to check their supply, and order 14 days before they’re due to run out to ensure they have the medication needed for the festive season.

For those patients whose GP practice is part of the Prescription Ordering Direct (POD) service, repeat prescriptions can be ordered from the comfort of your home by email.

Dr Nick White, Chief Medical Officer at NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin said: “Now is the time to plan ahead to help get you and your family through the winter season. By ordering early and collecting on time, you’ll save yourself the stress of possibly not getting what you need on time. and play your part in keeping the pressure off our health services.

“Christmas and New Year can be a difficult time for health and social care professionals. Demand will be extremely high, and we are asking people across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin to ‘think’ and access the right service for their healthcare need.

“Let’s all choose well this Christmas. Call NHS 111 for urgent medical advice, go online here or use your local walk-in Minor Injury Unit. We must keep A&E and 999 ambulance services for those who really need them.”

The Bank Holidays take place on Monday 26 December, Tuesday 27 December and Monday 2 January. Your GP practice may be closed on these dates, but a range of NHS services are still available depending on your medical need.

To check the Bank Holiday opening times of your local pharmacy, please visit the NHS website or view this useful PDF displaying all the opening times for further information.

For urgent medical advice, you can also contact NHS 111 online or call 111 free from any phone. This service is available 24 hours a day, including Bank Holidays, and after answering a few questions you will be directed to the best place to get the medical help and advice you need. Always call 999 for life-threatening emergencies such as a stroke or heart attack.