Harrogate district residents are being urged to order repeat medication for Christmas by tomorrow to avoid running out.

NHS North Yorkshire Clinical Commissioning Group issued the advice today, saying pharmacy processing times take longer in the run-up to Christmas.

Each year GPs and pharmacies are overwhelmed with patients requesting Christmas medication at the last minute.

Ian Dean, chief executive officer of Community Pharmacy North Yorkshire, which represents NHS pharmacy contractors in the North Yorkshire, said:

“Please only order the items that you need and please do not stockpile medicines.

“Excess supplies of medicines at home can be dangerous and is also wasteful. Once dispensed, medicines cannot be re-used and have to be destroyed.”

The CCG said the quickest way to order a prescription is via the NHS app or GP online services.

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People have also been urged not to stockpile. The CCG said all supply chains were adequately stocked with enough medication for everyone.

The CCG is also encouraging people to stock up on over-the-counter medicines such as paracetamol, ibuprofen, and anti-diarrhoea tablets over the festive season.

Most GP surgeries are closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

Doctors’ surgeries across the Harrogate district will be offering bank holiday appointments as the NHS continues to deal with the coronavirus crisis.

North Yorkshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) said appointments will be available on Good Friday and Easter Monday, and some practices will be working together as a ‘hub’.

Anyone needing an urgent appointment should call their GP practice, rather than visit in person, and they will be advised over the phone or asked to come in to the surgery.

On Saturday and Sunday, the usual weekend arrangements will be in place, with anyone needing medical advice asked to call NHS 111.

Meanwhile, community pharmacies will be open for a minimum of three hours from 2-5pm on Good Friday and Easter Monday, with some open for longer. Saturday’s opening hours will be the same as normal, while the usual Easter Day opening hours will apply on Sunday.