PEOPLE who rely on repeat prescriptions are being urged to plan ahead for the festive season.

As most pharmacists and GP surgeries will be closed on the Christmas and New Year bank holidays Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) has advised ordering prescriptions at least five days before the start of the festivities.

Dr Ed Capo-Bianco, Urgent Care Lead at the CCG, said: “To stay well you should plan ahead for repeat prescriptions you’ll need over the holiday break, so please order early and collect in good time.”

Full list of Oxfordshire pharmacy opening times over Christmas

He added: “Having a winter plan will also help you stay well over the holidays.

This can include having a free flu vaccination if you are eligible, ensuring your medicine cabinet is well stocked up to treat minor ailments like coughs and colds and upset stomachs, and getting help from a pharmacist before a condition gets worse.”

Dr Capo-Bianco also advised keeping an eye out for elderly family members and neighbours over Christmas and New Year especially if the weather is cold.

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He said: "There is a lot you can do to help people who are frail and vulnerable, like calling round to see if they need anything or to make sure their home is heated to at least 18C.”

For information when someone's usual GP surgery or pharmacy is closed, call NHS 111 and speak to a call handler who will be able to direct to a service that is open.

You can also visit NHS 111 online for advice and support at 111.nhs.uk.

To see which pharmacies are open over the Christmas and New Year holidays, visit oxfordshireccg.nhs.uk.