People in the East Midlands are being encouraged to get ready for the upcoming May Bank Holidays by planning ahead for repeat prescriptions and knowing where to go if they need help.

Every bank holiday NHS 111 sees an increase in people contacting it about repeat prescriptions. Over the Easter weekend a quarter of all 111 online sessions in the Midlands were to do with repeat prescriptions which can be avoided if people get themselves organised now.

GP practices and pharmacies will have limited opening hours over the Bank Holiday, making it more challenging for patients to access medicines at short notice.

Regional Chief Pharmacist at NHS England Richard Seal said: “It’s important that everyone gets prepared ahead of the first of three May Bank Holidays by ordering and collecting any prescriptions in advance and ensuring you have enough medication to last if you’re away from home.

“Taking daily medication is an important part of treatment for those with long-term health problems such as asthma and diabetes. People can be seriously ill if they run out of medicines and may need to be admitted to hospital, which can be avoided by ordering your prescription early. Please allow seven days from ordering before collecting so your GP practice and pharmacy have time to get your prescription ready for you.

“It is also worth checking that your general medicine cabinet is well-stocked with essentials such as paracetamol, cough and cold remedies, hay fever medicines, and plasters and bandages; these can all be bought cheaply from supermarkets or pharmacies.

“Local pharmacists can additionally provide free, confidential, expert advice and treatment for a variety of common complaints.”

People in the East Midlands are also being urged to visit NHS 111 online  if they have an urgent but not life-threatening medical need over the Bank Holiday.

NHS 111 Online is available to signpost people to the best option for their care needs– it can provide the most appropriate local treatment option for medical issues saving an unnecessary trip to A&E.

Richard added: “Using the 111 service online will help the NHS treat patients in the right setting over the Bank Holiday weekend. This will help keep staff free to deal with serious or life-threatening emergencies.

“If you need urgent medical or dental advice or care, use the NHS 111 online service to receive quick advice and to be directed to the best route of care for you over the Bank Holiday.

“NHS services are usually busy over bank holidays so every little helps, whether you’re staying here in the East Midlands or heading further afield.”

People can access NHS 111 online by visiting the 111 website, but anyone who has a life-threatening illness or injury should always dial 999.