NHS Essex is reminding people going away this bank holiday to organise their repeat prescriptions with plenty of time to spare.
GP practices and many pharmacies will be closed on the Monday 31 August bank holiday.
Demand for healthcare services such as ordering repeat prescriptions increases just before long weekends. To avoid anxiety and delays over having enough medication, NHS Essex advises that repeat prescriptions should be ordered at least seven working days in advance.
Tunde Sokoya, a local pharmacist in Buckhurst hill, said: “We see a lot of people come into our pharmacy just before a bank holiday. Often, they are anxious about getting medication which is quickly running out.
“We all know how easy it is to forget about repeat prescriptions when looking forward to getting away on a weekend trip or a longer break. Even so, you can save yourself a lot of unnecessary worry by making sure your medication is at the top of your to do list.
“If you need regular medication, you can request your repeat prescription through the NHS App or contact your GP practice. Give yourself at least seven working days before you’re due to run out, as this allows time for your prescription to be processed and medicines dispensed. If you’re going abroad, make sure you have enough for your whole trip as well as a buffer for unexpected delays.
“Pharmacies like ours can also offer advice on keeping well while sunning it up. Whether that is skin care advice or remedies for stomach bugs, we’re here to help. So come on in!”
