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People have been urged to order repeat prescriptions in good time for the Easter bank holidays. The North West's chief pharmacist, Karen O’Brien MBE, is encouraging early ordering of repeat prescriptions due over the Easter weekend. She suggests that people should place their orders by Friday, April 11.
This is to make sure prescriptions can be processed and collected in time for the extended weekend from Good Friday, April 18, to Easter Monday, April 21. Bank holiday weekends often witness a surge in calls to the NHS 111 service from people needing emergency prescriptions. Last Easter, the service received more than double the usual number of calls from people across the North West needing repeat prescriptions.
A total of 4,176 calls were made, compared to 1,645 the previous weekend. The need for early ordering is heightened by the fact that many pharmacies have limited opening hours over the Easter weekend. Karen O'Brien said: "Keeping your medicine cabinets stocked, knowing when GP practices are open and planning for repeat prescriptions will ensure you can make the most of the Easter holidays, especially if you’re going away.
"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. "This can be avoided if people order any prescriptions that are due in advance and make sure they collect them ahead of the bank holiday weekend." Dr Paula Cowan, a GP and regional medical director for primary care for NHS England - North West, echoed this advice.
She said: "If you take regular medications, for whatever reason, and if you are due a repeat prescription in the week leading up to Easter or over the Easter weekend, we recommend you order your medication via your practice or the NHS app by Friday, April 10. "This enables your practice and pharmacy to have your prescription ready in time for you. "This is particularly important ahead of the Easter bank holidays and if you’re planning to go away on holiday.
"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." The NHS app allows people to order repeat medications, book and cancel appointments at their GP practice, view their health record, and get health advice. It is recommended to have the app downloaded and notifications switched on.
Read more: HMRC Child Benefit increase next week confirmed for millions of families Pedestrian fighting for life after horror crash with bus 'Do not eat': Chocolate bars sold at UK supermarkets recalled due to stones Over the Easter weekend, all urgent and emergency care services will remain open. The public is advised to call 999 or attend accident and emergency services in the event of a life or limb-threatening emergency. For non-emergency health advice, people should contact 111.
nhs.uk. If NHS 111 cannot be accessed online, the alternative is to call 111.
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