NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is urging people to take control of their medications ahead of the festive break and think carefully about what they need.
Most GP surgeries and community pharmacies will be closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, and then again on New Year’s Day and 2nd January, and people are being asked to plan ahead, to ensure they don’t run out if they have a prescription they regularly receive.
However, people are also being reminded that medicines waste is a significant issue across NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, which costs the health board more than £100,000 every day.
That’s the equivalent of a day’s wages for more than 700 nurses, or more than 200 hospital consultants every single day.
So Alan Harrison, Lead Pharmacist, Community Pharmacy Development, at NHSGGC, is asking everyone to think twice before they order medicines.
He said: “We’re all aware that, at this time of year, events can run away from us and we can end up being faced with a last-minute rush to get things organised – and that includes making sure we have the medicines we need.
“If people have a condition that requires a repeat prescription, it’s important that they ensure they have enough medication to see them through the festive period.
“Ordering a repeat prescription may take longer than usual at this time of year, so we would suggest that you allow at least seven days between ordering and collection.”
However, Alan added, it’s equally important that people only order what they need, when they need it.
“Once medication has left a pharmacy it can’t be returned, even if it hasn’t been used and the packaging is unopened, so we are urging people to resist the temptation to stockpile this festive season”
“Cupboards filled with medication that ultimately go unused, does nobody any good – and it contributes to a huge cost for the Health Board, both financially and environmentally.”
If you are planning to buy medications, please think carefully about what you need, as a few simple over-the-counter products will help with most minor mishaps and health issues at home.
Treatments you should consider having to hand at home include:
- Painkillers – paracetamol and ibuprofen tablets for headaches, pain or fever.
- Indigestion remedies – we all over-indulge at this time of year, so something to ease that bloated feeling is worth having.
- Antiseptic cream – to help clean minor cuts and abrasions.
- Plasters and bandages.
- Laxative and rehydration sachets – in case of constipation or diarrhoea.
- Antihistamines – to treat mild allergic reactions.
- Medicines specifically for children (your pharmacist can advise on the most suitable ones to keep in the house).
Remember that medicines go out of date, so please check your medicine cabinet regularly and replace medications as necessary. To dispose of medicines safely, please do not bin or flush them but take them to your local pharmacist.
Always follow the advice on the pack, and if your symptoms continue (or are severe) get further advice by:
- By visiting NHS Inform or downloading the NHS24 app.
- Visiting your local pharmacist.
- Calling your GP surgery.
- Or if you’re not sure, calling NHS 24 on 111.
Alan Harrison added: “We would like to remind people that community pharmacies will only be closed for two days at Christmas and again at New Year, so there is no need to collect excessive amounts of medication.
“And if you do need medication, a selected number of pharmacies will be open on these days, so help will still be available. For more details, just visit the NHSGGC website.”
If you think you need help that you can’t deal with at home, please call NHS24 on 111 and you will be directed to the treatment most appropriate for your needs. If your condition is life-threatening, please go to A&E or call 999.
For more information on accessing the care you need this winter, please go to: Right Care, Right Place – NHSGGC
For details of community pharmacies open in your area over Christmas and New Year, please go to Pharmacy – NHSGGC
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has recently launched its winter campaign, providing lots of information to help people access care in a way most appropriate for their need.
And the simple message behind it is ‘Think ABC before going to A&E’:
Ask yourself: Do I need to go out? For information on keeping yourself well and treating minor illnesses and injuries from home, go to NHS Inform or download the NHS24 app.
Be aware: There is help for many conditions right on your doorstep. Your local GP, pharmacy, dentist or optician offer a range of services.
Call 111: If it’s urgent, or you’re not sure, call NHS24 on 111. They’ll make sure you get the help you need.
If a condition is life-threatening, we would always encourage people to go to A&E or call 999, but in all other circumstances, please think ABC before going to A&E.
