At this time of year we are all busy with preparations for the holidays: the food, the presents, maybe getting ready to go away for the holidays, or to receive guests. But have you remembered about your repeat prescriptions?

GP Surgeries and Pharmacies will be closed on certain days over the holidays, and that means that you may not be getting your repeat prescriptions on the usual day in the usual way. So if you need a repeat prescription over the next three weeks, check with your GP surgery and Pharmacy about their opening hours:

• If you run out of medication and your GP Surgery is closed, speak to your local Pharmacist and they may be able to help you. You can get contact details for your local pharmacy from the label on any medication they have dispensed to you, or you can call NHS 24 on 08454 24 24 24 and they can give you contact details.
• If your normal Pharmacy is closed, contact NHS 24 on 08454 24 24 24 to find out where your nearest emergency dispensing pharmacy is.
• If you need to see a GP and your Surgery is closed, call NHS 24 on 08454 24 24 24, and they can arrange for you to be seen by an out-of-hours GP.
• If you have a long-term condition or a serious illness, have you considered setting up an Emergency Care Summary? This enables staff at NHS 24, out-of-hours GPs and Accident & Emergency staff to access your records quickly, accurately and with a minimum of fuss. Contact your GP to arrange this.

You can find out more about preparing for winter and the holidays at the NHS Inform website, or call NHS Inform on 0800 22 44 88.