People living across East Lancashire are encouraged not to leave it too late to order repeat prescriptions, with the Easter break and industrial action approaching which will see significant pressure on the NHS.
As GP practices will be closed on Friday 7 April (Good Friday) and Monday 10 April (Easter Monday), it is important to make sure prescriptions are ordered beforehand.
Urgent treatment centres often see an increase in people attending on a bank holiday because they have run out of medication so please think ahead.
In addition, this year, the Easter Bank Holiday will be followed by four days of industrial action by junior doctors, during which time the NHS is expecting significant disruption and it is vital the public are aware of the pressure the health service will be under and know the best way to access care during that time.
- If you have a long-term health condition that relies on medication, such as asthma and diabetes, please make sure you order your prescription in plenty of time.
- Any repeat medicines needed over the bank holiday weekend should be ordered before Friday 31 March at the latest to make sure there is enough time for them to be processed and dispensed.
- Most GP practices need a minimum of 48 hours’ notice to issue a repeat prescription. Community pharmacies also generally need between 24 and 48 hours from when they receive a repeat prescription to prepare medicines.
- It is also worth checking your general medicine cabinet before the bank holiday to make sure it is well stocked with essentials such as paracetamol, cough and cold remedies, antihistamines, and plasters and bandages. These can all be bought cheaply from supermarkets or pharmacies and your local pharmacist can also provide free, confidential, expert advice and treatment for a variety of common complaints.
Some local pharmacies will be open on bank holidays and are able to provide expert advice and deal with minor ailments and illnesses. Details of which pharmacies will be open on Easter Bank Holiday weekend will be available soon at: https://www.lancashireandsouthcumbria.icb.nhs.uk/our-work/your-local-services.