The public across the North West are being urged to ensure they have enough of their regularly prescribed medication ahead of the Bank Holiday weekend.

The quickest way to ensure you get your repeat prescription in time for the long New Year weekend coming up is to download the NHS app, register and then order your repeat medication.

Regional Medical Director Dr Michael Gregory said anything the public could do to ensure they had enough medication would help ensure services could help those with urgent needs.

“Hopefully most people heeded our advice before Christmas and ensured they have enough medication to last through to the New Year. And if you are already registered and need medication before next week, please use the app to order your repeat prescription.

“But if you haven’t already, my request is simple. If you are likely to run out of your medication over the coming weekend and you have a smart phone, please download the NHS App today and order your repeat medication.

“The period immediately after Christmas and before the New Year is traditionally the busiest in the calendar with services being really busy. We want to keep as many front-line clinicians available to treat people who are ill and need help urgently. So please help us by ensuring you do whatever you can to reduce the pressure on our services.”

If you require any medical advice and are unsure where to turn, you can use the online www.111.nhs.uk service which will take you through symptoms and offer advice. In addition most high street pharmacies will now have reopened after the festive break and are an excellent source of advice and help if you are feeling poorly.