NHS North West’s Chief Pharmacist Karen O’Brien is reminding people to order repeat prescriptions if they are due ahead of the Easter Bank holiday.

Every bank holiday the NHS 111 phone service sees huge increases in people contacting to ask for urgent repeat prescriptions when their medication is due to run out – and on some occasions there were around two and a half times more calls for repeat prescriptions over the Easter bank holiday compared to the weekends before and after.

Karen O’Brien MBE leads the pharmacy service across the region and has advised that any repeat prescriptions due in the days over the Easter Bank Holiday will need to be ordered no later than Wednesday 20 March at the latest.

GP practices and pharmacies will have limited opening hours over the Easter period, and many will be closed from Friday 29 March to Monday 1 April, making it more challenging for patients to access medicines at short notice. Waiting and using emergency or urgent services over the break puts added pressure on already busy services.

Karen said: “Keeping your medicine cabinets stocked, knowing when your GP practice is open and planning ahead for repeat prescriptions, people can ensure they make the most of the Easter Bank Holiday.

“Running out of your usual medication can have serious consequences, especially if you use them to control a heart condition and breathing problems or a health condition such as diabetes and is the last thing you want to do while your friends and family are together.”

The region’s lead GP Dr Paula Cowan, Medical Director for Primary Care, reiterated the message saying: “If you take regular medications, for whatever reason, and if you are due a repeat prescription in the week leading up to Easter or over the Easter period, please remember to always request your repeat via your practice or the NHS app at least 6 working days in advance.

“This enables your practice and pharmacy to have your repeat ready in time for you. This is particularly important ahead of bank holiday weekends. Please help us to help you and avoid any gaps in your medication,”

Karen added: “The easiest way to order repeat prescriptions is by using GP online services, via the NHS App or through your GP practice website. If you do not have access to GP online services, you can phone your GP practice to order prescriptions.”

As well as ordering repeat medications, the NHS App allows people to book and cancel appointments at their GP practice, view their health record and get health advice, searching trusted NHS information and advice on hundreds of conditions and treatments.  Download the NHS App on the app store or on google play.