The North West's chief pharmacist is urging people to order repeat prescriptions ahead of the Christmas and New Year.
The region's top pharmacist, Karen O'Brien MBE, has asked the public to make plans for their medication to ensure they have enough supplies during the holiday season.
She advised that any repeat prescriptions due for the Christmas and New Year period should be ordered by December 16.
This comes after last year's effort to reduce repeat prescription calls to NHS 111 during December.
The initiative resulted in a 25 per cent decrease in calls in December 2023 compared to December 2022.
However, the statistics indicate that the demand remains high.
The North West Ambulance Service received more than 18,000 calls for repeat prescriptions last winter, making it the third-highest reason for contacting the NHS 111 service.
The limited opening hours of pharmacies over the Christmas and New Year period, with most closed on December 25 and 26, and January 1, will make it "difficult" for patients to access medicines at short notice.
This could lead to "added pressure" on already busy NHS services.
Ms O'Brien said: "Keeping medicine cabinets stocked, knowing when GP practices are open and planning for repeat prescriptions will ensure you can make the most of Christmas and New Year.
"Running out of your usual medication can have serious consequences, especially if you use them to control a heart condition, breathing problems or have a health condition such as diabetes."
Dr Paula Cowan, the region's lead GP and medical director for primary care, also urged people to be mindful of their medication needs.
She said: "If you take regular medications, for whatever reason, and if you are due a repeat prescription in the week leading up to Christmas and the New Year, please remember to always request repeat prescriptions via your practice or the NHS app by Monday, December 16.
"This enables your practice and pharmacy to have your prescription ready in time for you.
"This is particularly important ahead of Christmas and New Year and with seasonal pressures already mounting across NHS services in the North West where A&E departments and GP practices are already exceptionally busy.
"Please help us to help you and avoid any gaps in your medication and a possible emergency trip to your GP, out of hours service or A&E departments."
Ms O'Brien suggested using the NHS App or the GP practice website to order repeat prescriptions.
For those who do not have access to online services, phoning the GP practice to order prescriptions remains an option.
The NHS App also allows users to book and cancel appointments, view their health records and get health advice.
It can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play.
Over the Christmas and New Year period, urgent and emergency care services will be open.
The public should call 999 or attend accident and emergency services in the event of a life or limb-threatening emergency.
For non-emergency health advice, the public are advised to contact 111.nhs.uk as their first port of call.
If online access is not possible, they should call 111.
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