With the last of May’s bank holidays fast approaching, the South East’s Medical Director is once again urging members of the public to order any repeat prescriptions that are due in good time.

Many pharmacies will be closed on Monday 27 May and others may have limited opening hours, 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 NHS services. The NHS 111 phone service also experiences added pressure over bank holidays with an increase in calls from people who need urgent repeat prescriptions.

Vaughan Lewis, NHS Medical Director for the South East said: “Keeping your medicine cabinets stocked, knowing when your GP practice is open, and planning for repeat prescriptions that are due will ensure you can make the most of the bank holiday weekend.

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

GP’s have reiterated the message, advising that if you take regular medications, for whatever reason, and if you are due a repeat prescription in the week near the May bank holiday weekend, you should request your repeat via your practice or the NHS app as soon as possible.

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.

Over the May bank holiday, urgent and emergency care services will be open as normal.  The public should call 999 or attend accident and emergency services in the event of a life or limb threatening emergency. For non-emergency health advice, people can contact NHS 111 online at 111.nhs.uk, which offers the same help and advice as the telephone service. If you cannot access 111 online, please call 111.