NHS South East’s Medical Director has reminded people not to leave it too late to order repeat prescriptions if they are due ahead of the late May Bank Holiday Weekend.

Every bank holiday the NHS 111 phone service sees huge increases in people contacting it about repeat prescriptions and the first two Bank Holidays in May were no different.

Dr Vaughan Lewis has asked the public to order their repeat prescription as soon as possible ahead of the long weekend from Saturday May 27 to Monday May 29.

He said: “The time leading up to Bank Holiday Weekends can be busy for the NHS. Please help us help you and order your repeat prescriptions early to avoid any complications and to make sure you have your medication for the long weekend.

“You can order repeat prescriptions through the NHS app, contacting your GP surgery or by visiting NHS111 online.”

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. Waiting and using emergency or urgent services over the break puts added pressure on already busy services.

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.

Opening times for pharmacies across the South East can be found on the NHS website.