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.