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.

If you haven’t already ordered it, the quickest way to ensure you get your repeat prescription is to download the NHS app, register and then order your repeat medication. You can download the NHS App on the app store or on google play.

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 Easter and ensured they have enough medication to last through the period. 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.

“That way – it will be easier in future to order your repeat medication – and reduce the pressure on the service.

“For people who have a regular prescription, electronic repeat dispensing (eRD) allows them to get their medicines from their chosen pharmacy without having to request on a monthly basis from their GP.

“Through eRD a GP can authorise up to 12 months’ worth of a patient’s regular prescription, (as long as the patient is reviewed annually and up to date with blood tests, blood pressure etc) which is then ready for download and dispensing at the chosen pharmacy each time the patient needs it.

“People who have consented to get their regular medication through eRD welcome the convenience of knowing their next prescription will be ready without having to contact their general practice, and say it provides flexibility so they have medication to cover bank holidays. Ask your GP for details ahead of the next Bank Holiday.”

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, many high street pharmacies will be open on the Saturday of the Easter weekend.