The NHS has urged patients across the North East to "plan ahead, stay safe, and use the right NHS services" ahead of the Easter bank holiday weekend.
The health service has issued a reminder that many GP surgeries and local pharmacies will be closed over the long weekend between Good Friday on April 18 and Easter Monday on April 21. Anyone who needs repeat prescriptions is asked to order them early, while every household has been advised to ensure their medicine cabinets are stocked with everyday essentials in order to help reduce pressure on busy NHS services.
Dr Neil O'Brien, chief medical officer, NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB), said: "Bank holidays are always a busy time for the NHS. Our teams are here to help if you need urgent care, but there can be long waits, so we’re asking the public to please help us by planning ahead."
Ewan Maule, ICB clinical director of medicines, advised: "If you do forget to order your repeat prescription in time, don't panic. Some local pharmacies will still be open and may be able to help. Check your local pharmacy's opening times on the ICB website."
He added: "But please remember to 'only order what you need'. If you already have enough, there's no need to order more - you can always ask for it later when you do need it."
The NHS has issued its three key tips for households to stay safe and healthy over the Easter weekend:
- Plan ahead: Make sure you have some medicine cabinet essentials such as paracetamol, indigestion tablets, plasters, and antiseptic cream, as well as making sure you have ordered any repeat prescription items in time for the Easter break, but please remember to only order what you really need. GP surgeries will be closed on Good Friday 18 April, Easter Monday 21 April, and again for the May Bank Holiday 5 May. It can take up to 3 days to get a repeat prescription, so don’t leave it too late
- Use the right service: If you need medical advice but it’s not an emergency, visit 111.nhs.uk for help. NHS 111 can direct you to the right care quickly.
- Stay safe: Enjoy the bank holiday safely – take care if you're doing DIY, gardening or outdoor activities, and try not to drink too much alcohol.
When it comes to repeat prescriptions, the NHS advises ordering online in plenty of time ahead of the bank holidays. You can do this by calling or using the website of your GP practice. You can also order repeat prescriptions through the NHS App.
The health service added: "Health advice and information is available via the NHS App or the NHS website, or from your local GP practice website which link to a range of online services.
"For children’s health advice you can download The Little Orange Book which covers a wide range of illnesses in children from common minor ailments including teething, constipation, and colds, through to more serious conditions."
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