THE NHS is reminding members of the public to make sure they have their repeat prescriptions in place ahead of the Easter Bank Holiday.
The bank holiday takes place from Friday-Monday, April 18-21.
Some community pharmacies and all GP surgeries will be closed over the bank holidays, so patients are being encouraged to order their repeat prescriptions as quickly as possible.
Many GP practices offer an online repeat prescription service through their websites, while patients without online access can call their surgery to request repeat medications, which can then be collected in person or sent to a pharmacy of their choice; alternatively, prescriptions can also be ordered via the NHS App, with more information available via: nhs.uk/nhs-app
Once set up, prescriptions can be sent directly to a high street pharmacy for collection, or delivered.
Dr Abid Irfan, director of primary care at the Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board, said: “Help yourself stay well over the long Easter weekend by making sure you have enough of your medication to see you through.
“GP practices are closed over bank holidays and many pharmacies will have different opening times.
“It’s best to order your usual medication well in advance, especially if you’re going away. And you can also help by checking with more vulnerable family members, friends and neighbours that they have the medication they need.
“If you do run out of your medication, NHS 111 online can offer advice on how to get an emergency supply. But it’s always best to be prepared.”
Opening times of pharmacies during the Easter bank holidays can be found on the NHS website england.nhs.uk/south-east
