PEOPLE across Wharfedale are being urged to sign-up for an online system of ordering repeat prescriptions.

Patients should register at their GP practice for the service, which will also enable people to book appointments and update their details.

NHS Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is supporting surgeries with the initiative, known as SystmOnline.

Under the scheme, pharmacies will no longer order medicines on behalf of most patients.

The CCG says the changes, being introduced from next month, aim to reduce medicines waste by increasing people's control and understanding of what they are taking.

Dr Colin Renwick – executive GP with NHS Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven CCG – said: "We have become increasingly concerned about the amount of medicines wasted.

"We feel that one cause is repeat ordering of medicines that are not needed.

"People who already order repeat prescriptions directly from their GP surgery will not be affected by this change and do not need to take any action.

"However, if your community pharmacy is currently ordering repeat medicines on your behalf, this is set to change."

Patients are also being asked to order only medicines they actually need.

All surgeries will offer various ways for people to request repeat prescriptions and practices will still be able to send the repeat prescriptions directly to a patient's chosen chemist.

For more details, visit airedalewharfedalecravenccg.nhs.uk/your-health/its-your-nhs-dont-waste-it/online-services-for-patients or contact your GP practice.