The NHS has stressed the importance of acting fast
The NHS are urging many people across the UK to act quickly, ahead of April.
Writing an update on its official website on March 27, NHS England is reminding people to order repeat prescription medicines ahead of the Easter bank holiday. It notes that people in the North West are being reminded to check and order any repeat prescriptions they need before the Easter bank holiday to avoid running out of essential medication.
However, while it does mention a specific region, this message applies to much of the UK. The NHS says: “GP practices and community pharmacies will have limited opening hours over the Easter period, and many will be closed across the weekend from Friday 3 April to Monday 6 April.
“This will make it more challenging for patients to access medicines at short notice. Running out of necessary medicines and using emergency or urgent services over the Easter break can add pressure to already busy services. In some medical conditions it can be dangerous for patients to be without necessary repeat medications.”
While it says to try to order these before March 25, there may still be time to get your medication, so don’t panic. If you still need medication, make sure to contact your GP as soon as you can, and if you are worried about not getting it in time, you can let them know that you need it before the holidays to see if they can do anything.
How can I get an emergency prescription?
If you need an emergency prescription, the NHS advises the following.
Use the 111 online emergency prescription service
If you’ve run out and cannot wait, you can use the 111 online emergency prescription service.
- They will ask questions about your location and when you need your medicine to suggest the best way to get it.
- They may refer you to a pharmacy to collect your medicine.
If your medicine is not a repeat prescription, you can still get help through 111 online or by calling 111 to discuss your options.
Visit a pharmacy
Pharmacies can give some emergency medicines without a prescription, but you might have to pay.
Visit an urgent treatment centre
You might be able to get your medicine from an urgent treatment centre after a consultation.
Call your GP surgery
You can call your GP surgery. If it’s closed, their answering machine should have information about the out-of-hours service. Use the NHS Find a GP service to get a GP surgery’s phone number.
Go to A&E if it’s an emergency
If it’s an emergency, the NHS urges people to head to A&E.
NHS message
Karen O’Brien, Regional Chief Pharmacist for NHS England in the North West said: “Knowing how much of your medications you’ll need across the Easter weekend and planning ahead for your repeat prescriptions means people can enjoy their weekend without worrying about their medication.
“Running out of your usual medication can have serious consequences, especially if you use them to manage a heart condition and breathing problems or a health condition such as diabetes and epilepsy and is the last thing you want to do while your friends and family are together. Keeping your medicine cabinets stocked for simple ailments will also help and your community pharmacy can advise with this.”
For more information on prescriptions, visit the NHS website here.
