Don't run out | News and events

Local health leaders are calling on local people to make sure they don’t run out of any repeat prescriptions they may rely on, as the latest data shows that emergency medication requests are one of the top ten reasons that people call NHS 111 locally.

In the first week of the year nearly 150 people across Cambridgeshire & Peterborough called NHS 111 to request emergency prescriptions, adding further pressure for the NHS teams staffing 111 at a time when services are already very busy. By ordering repeat prescriptions on time local people can help reduce demand, making sure that 111 can continue to provide urgent medical advice to the people who need it as quickly as possible.

Pharmacies generally need up to seven days to fill repeat prescriptions, so it is vital that everyone orders their prescriptions in good time to avoid running out. Repeat prescriptions can usually be ordered quickly and easily through the NHS app, or through your local GP practice’s website in many cases.

People who do not use the internet can also get their repeat prescriptions by reaching out to their GP practice.

If people do run out of their repeat prescription and urgently need their medications, the ICS is asking them to order this online via https://111.nhs.uk/emergency-prescription. This online service can be used to order emergency medications quickly and easily, reducing the need to wait on the phone. People who cannot use the online service can still call 111 for an urgent prescription.

Sati Ubhi, Director of Medicines Optimisation & Pharmacy at NHS Cambridgeshire & Peterborough, part of Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Integrated Care System (ICS), said:

“NHS services across Cambridgeshire & Peterborough are under pressure right now, and we can all do simple things to help. This includes making sure that we don’t run out of medications that we need to stay well by ordering our repeat prescriptions in good time, allowing at least 7 days for local pharmacies to fill them.

“If you do run out of your prescription completely and urgently need your medication, you can request it online via NHS 111. By using the online emergency prescription service rather than calling 111, you can help reduce pressure on our NHS teams.

“Please check your medicine cabinet today to make sure you’ve got enough of your medications, and consider adding a reminder in your diary to remember to order any repeat prescriptions you need.”