With the Easter bank holiday weekend fast approaching, NHS Cheshire and Merseyside is urging people to order any repeat prescriptions by Friday 11th April to avoid running out of essential medication.
Last Easter, NHS 111 saw a surge in calls, receiving over double the number of requests for emergency prescriptions across the Northwest with 4,176 calls compared to the weekend before with 1,645.
Susanne Lynch MBE, Chief Pharmacist for NHS Cheshire and Merseyside, stressed the importance of acting early “If you take regular medications to manage a condition, don’t wait until the last minute. Bank holidays are busy, and pharmacies and GP practices will be closed or have limited hours.”
Dr Fiona Lemmens, Deputy Medical Director, added “Planning ahead helps ease pressure on urgent care services. If you do need advice while your GP is closed, go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111.”
People can use the NHS App to order medication at their convenience and select a pharmacy for collection. The app also allows users to book GP appointments, view health records, and access medical advice.
Pharmacy opening times over Easter can be found at www.nhs.uk/find-a-pharmacy. In a life-threatening emergency, always call 999 or go straight to A&E.
