NHS South East’s Medical Director is reminding people not to leave it too late to order repeat prescriptions if they are due ahead of the Easter break.

Every bank holiday the NHS 111 phone service sees huge increases in people contacting it about repeat prescriptions – and on some occasions last year saw five times the number of calls from the days before.

Repeat prescriptions due in the days over the Easter Bank Holiday will need to be ordered before the end of day on Monday 3 April at the latest.

GP practices and pharmacies will have limited opening hours over the Easter period, and many will be closed from Friday 14 April to Monday 17 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.

Dr Vaughan Lewis, South East Regional Medical Director said: “By re-stocking medicine cabinets, knowing when your GP practice is open and planning ahead for repeat prescriptions, people can ensure they make the most of the Easter period.”

Running out of your usual medication can have serious consequences, especially if you use them to control heart and breathing problems or a health condition such as diabetes.

Dr Lewis added: “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 three 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.”

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.

If people feel unwell over the bank holiday weekend, they can check their symptoms and get access to advice using 111.nhs.uk online. NHS 111 is a free service which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.