PEOPLE with long term health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, lung and heart disease are being reminded not to leave it too late to get their repeat prescriptions before Christmas.

Many GP practices will have limited opening hours between Christmas and New Year, which means some people may struggle.

Dr Chris Clayton, clinical chief officer of Blackburn with Darwen Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said: “There are around 1.5 million people in the North West with a long term health condition.

“We want to make sure that people with these illnesses have a good Christmas and New Year. Our advice is to check where you are up to date with your medication and if necessary contact your GP for a repeat prescription or for a check-up.”