CHEMISTS and GP surgeries will be operating a limited service over the festive bank holidays, and residents are being urged to get their repeat prescription requests in before the holidays begin.
Many community pharmacies and all GP surgeries will be closed during the bank holidays, so patients are being encouraged to make use of the NHS App to request medicines.
Once set up, prescriptions can be sent your GP practice directly to your local community pharmacy for collection or even delivery.
Many GP practices offer an online repeat prescription service via their websites, and patients who do not have online access can call their surgery to order their repeat medications.
Dr Abid Irfan, director of primary care at the Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board, said: “Help yourself stay well over the Christmas and New Year holidays by making sure you have enough of your medication to see you through.
“GP practices are closed for four days over Christmas and three days over the New Year bank holiday and many pharmacies will have different opening times.”
He continued: “It’s best to order your usual medications well in advance, especially if you’re going away. And you can also help by checking with more vulnerable family members, friends and neighbours that they have the medications they need.
“If you do run out of your medication, NHS 111 online can offer advice on how to get an emergency supply. But it’s always best to be prepared.”
There is more information about how to get the App at https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-app/.
Opening times of pharmacies during the Christmas and New Year bank holidays can be found on the NHS website https://www.england.nhs.uk/south-east/our-work/pharmacy-opening-hours/
Christmas pharmacy rota 2023-24
CHRISTMAS DAY, Monday, December 25
BRACKNELL – Easthampstead Pharmacy, Rectory Row. 2pm-5pm. Details: 01344 421755.
READING – Western Elms Pharmacy, Oxford Road. 11am-5pm. Details: 0118 958 6502.
WOOSEHILL – Morrisons Pharmacy, Woosehill Court. 2pm-5pm. Details: 0118 979 4288.
BOXING DAY, Tuesday, December 26
BRACKNELL – Priestwood Pharmacy, Priestwood Square. 10am-1pm. Details: 01344 306355.
LOWER EARLEY – Asda, Chalfont Way. 10am-4pm. Details: 0118 987 0310.
READING – Boots the Chemist, Broad Street. 11am-5pm. Details: 0118 957 1135.
READING – Boots the Chemist, The Oracle. 9.30am-5pm. Details: 0118 958 7529.
TILEHURST – Asda, Honey End Lane. 10am-4pm. Details: 0118 951 4710.
WOKINGHAM – Boots the Chemist, Market Place. 2pm-5pm. Details: 0118 978 4294.
NEW YEAR’S DAY, Monday, January 1
LOWER EARLEY – Asda, Chalfont Way. 10am-4pm. Details: 0118 987 0310.
READING – Boots the Chemist, Broad Street. 11am-5pm. Details: 0118 957 1135.
READING – Boots the Chemist, The Oracle. 11am-5pm. Details: 0118 958 7529.
TILEHURST – Asda, Honey End Lane. 10am-4pm. Details: 0118 951 4710.
WOKINGHAM – Tesco, Finchampstead Road. 2pm-5pm. Details: 03456 779724.
