Get your repeat prescriptions in good time!

"Don't leave it too late to order your repeat prescriptions!" is the message from GPs and pharmacists ahead of the Easter bank holidays.

NHS leads across the North East and North Cumbria are reminding patients to ensure they have enough supplies of any regular medication, particularly for long-term health conditions.

Many GP surgeries and pharmacies across the region will be closed on the following bank holidays Good Friday – 3 April, Easter Monday – 6 April, Early May Bank Holiday – Monday 4 May.

Ewan Maule, clinical director of medicines, NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB), said:  "It can take up to three days – or sometimes longer – for prescriptions to be ready so if you take medicine every day, especially for a long-term health problem, running out could make you very unwell.

"Please plan ahead for the bank holidays, check to see what you already have, and if you do need more, make sure you only order what you need. If you do have enough, then you can wait and order more later at a later date."

Health leads also highlighted that ordering in advance helps reduce pressure on NHS services - if people run out of medication, it can result in increased calls to NHS 111 and unnecessary visits to urgent care.

Dr Neil O'Brien, ICB chief medical officer, said: "Not ordering in time and having to use emergency medication services not only puts patients at risk, but it also puts increased pressure on already stretched NHS services.

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

“If your GP practice is closed - remember NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, seven days week, to offer help and advice on a whole range of medical problems."

As well as ordering repeat prescriptions, people are also being encouraged to stock-up their medicine cabinets with some basic essentials to cover them over Easter.

Dr O'Brien added: "To help cover for those days where GPs and pharmacies are closed, make sure you have plenty of over-the counter medicines too for those minor issues.

"Paracetamol for adults and children, plasters, indigestion relief and anti-diarrhoeal tablets can all help you manage many minor illnesses or scrapes at home, and if you’re unsure what you need, your local pharmacist can always help.”