IS your repeat prescription on your Christmas to-do list? With three weekdays lost to public holidays over the coming Christmas and new year period, anybody reliant on a repeat prescription is advised to plan ahead.

GP surgeries and most pharmacists will be closed, meaning that patients will be unable to restock their medication if they run out. Doctors are urging people who may be affected by the closures to prepare now, before the Christmas rush.

Dr Andy Whitfield, clinical chair of NHS North East Hampshire and Farnham Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said: “With so much to think about as we head towards the end of the year, it can be easy to forget the things we take for granted at other times – for some people that might include organising their medication.

“If you know that you will need to arrange for a prescription to cover the festive period, why not make it part of your Christmas planning now and put it high up on your to-do list, as a present to yourself?

“As well as helping to ensure your health and well-being over the break, it will give you peace and mind in the run-up to Christmas, knowing that you’ve ticked it off the list.”

Details of pharmacy opening hours over Christmas and new year will be published nearer the time on the North East Hampshire and Farnham CCG website www.northeasthampshireandfarn

hamccg.nhs.uk/ . They should also be displayed in store and people can call their pharmacy to check.