NHS Cambridgeshire and Peterborough advise to order repeat prescriptions ahead of the Easter bank holiday weekend

The NHS is reminding anyone who relies on regular prescribed medication to make sure they have enough to see them through the upcoming Easter Bank Holiday weekend.

GP practices will be closed over the bank holiday weekend, from Friday, April 18 to Monday, April 21, and only some pharmacies will be open, meaning it won’t be possible to collect a prescription at short notice.

Making last-minute requests can be stressful for anyone needing their regular medication, whilst also adding pressure to GP practices, pharmacies, and other NHS services.

Sati Ubhi, Chief Pharmacist at NHS Cambridgeshire & Peterborough ICB said: “Plan ahead for this long bank holiday weekend by checking now if you have enough medication to last and requesting more if needed.

“Ordering, dispensing and collecting prescriptions can take several days so it’s best to order in plenty of time before the Easter weekend.

“Running out of your prescribed medication can be very stressful over a bank holiday weekend when services are not running normally and can also cause additional work for pharmacies and NHS 111 which are already under pressure, especially during a bank holiday weekend."

Most repeat medication requests can be made through the NHS App, online or via your local GP practice website.

Anyone who does not use the internet can speak to their GP practice to get their repeat prescription.