ASK THE DOC: Planning ahead on medicines
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How to avoid running out of medication over the festive period – and what happens to your GP records when you move.
Q. I use a lot of different medications and I’m concerned I might run out over the festive period next month. What can I do to prevent this?
A. If you have concerns about running out of medication over the festive period, it is a good idea to check the opening days and times of your GP practice and local pharmacy.
Opening hours may be subject to change over the festive period.
With your regular medications, the important thing is to order only what you need in plenty time.
You will then have a consistent supply of medication as you need it.
For the festive period, try and order what you need at least a week in advance of the changes in opening hours. If you find that you have run out of medicines for one reason or another, contact your local pharmacist if possible, however any pharmacist should also be able to assist you if your own one is not open.
To find out the opening times of your local health services you can visit Scotland’s Service Directory to make sure you are up to date on opening times – https://www.nhsinform.scot/scotlands-service-directory/
Q. I’m moving. Do I have to ask my present GP for a copy of my medical records to take with me?
A. In Scotland, the transfer of your GP health records is managed by Practitioner Services who work on behalf of your NHS board. GP practices return the records to us for patients who are no longer registered with them.
If you’ve changed practice they send these records on to your new GP.
If you’ve previously lived elsewhere in the UK, Practitioner Services work with other organisations to request your records. We send the identity data you provided to NHS Central Register Scotland. NHS Central Register can trace where you were previously registered.
