As the festive season draws near, Swindon residents are being reminded to plan ahead for their medication needs.
With most pharmacies set to close from Friday, 22nd December, until at least Wednesday, 27th December, it’s crucial for individuals requiring prescriptions over the Christmas break to act promptly.
People in need of medicine for the festive period must get their prescriptions in by Friday 15th December, at the very latest. Beyond this date, pharmacy teams cannot guarantee the availability of medicines for collection before the holiday hiatus.
Helen Wilkinson, Community Pharmacy Clinical Lead at Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon, and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board said, “Pharmacy teams are always busy during the winter months, and even more so at Christmas.
“Getting repeat prescriptions in early will help our colleagues in pharmacies across the region to manage demand effectively, and in a way that ensures everybody gets the medicine they need in time for the Christmas break.
Wilkinson highlights the potential consequences of running out of prescribed medicine, particularly for older individuals and vulnerable populations. Therefore, having an ample supply is a crucial item on everyone’s Christmas to-do list.
While the majority of community pharmacies in the region will close for Christmas, a small number will remain open, albeit with reduced operating hours, on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
These select outlets will cater to emergency prescriptions and provide urgent expert advice for minor illnesses or injuries.
