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Aneurin Bevan University Health Board (ABUHB) is urging people to order any repeat medication as soon as possible ahead of the Christmas period.

It said how all GP surgeries and the majority of community pharmacies will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day.

The health board also warned that access to dispensaries will be “extremely limited” across these days, and that pharmacy teams in Gwent are asking patients to order their medication at least a week in advance.

Richard Evans, community pharmacy lead for ABUHB, said: “Our community pharmacies work extremely hard all year round to meet the needs of local residents and provide them with the best service possible, but the Christmas period can be a particularly busy and demanding time for us as we see a higher number of prescription requests in the weeks before the bank holidays.

“We always ask patients to order their repeat prescriptions at least seven working days before they need it, but this is particularly important over this busy period, as we will have a higher number of requests to process and we wouldn’t want anyone to be without their regular medication.”

He added: “You can help your local pharmacy help you by planning ahead, and if your repeat prescription is due over the Christmas period, please order it in enough time for it to be processed.”

A small proportion of Gwent pharmacies will be open for limited hours over the bank holidays for urgent needs. This timetable is available on the health board’s website.