AN ESSEX clinical group are advising the public to ensure they have sufficient medical supplies for the festive period.

Many GP practices and community pharmacies will have limited opening hours between Christmas and New Year, and are likely to be busier than usual on the days they are open, so The Mid Essex Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) are advising those with long-term conditions to order and collect their repeat prescriptions in plenty of time.

Unless advised otherwise by your surgery, it is suggested allowing at least 3 working days to process repeat prescriptions over this busy period.

Repeat prescriptions can be ordered online by using GP Online Services, a simple website that can also be used to make and cancel appointments and view medical records. If you are not already registered, you can find out more or ask for a registration form from your GP Practice.

If you take two forms of photo ID in to the surgery they can sign you up there and then.

Paula Wilkinson, Chief Pharmacist at Mid Essex CCG said: “Every year people call out-of-hours emergency services or attend Accident and Emergency (A&E) because they have run out of their usual medicines.

“By being organised we can all support our urgent care services this winter to prioritise those people with the greatest clinical need and reduce delays in our A&E”.

Visit: www.midessexccg.nhs.uk/your-health-services/health-campaigns/stay-well-this-winter.