Residents in Birmingham, the Black Country and Solihull are being reminded to order any repeat prescriptions ahead of the Easter bank holiday.
GP practices and pharmacies will have limited opening hours over the Easter period, and many will be closed from Friday 3 April to Monday 6 April, making it more challenging for patients to access medicines at short notice.
NHS 111 sees an increase in people getting in touch about repeat prescriptions over bank holiday periods, which can put additional pressure on already busy services. Residents should plan ahead if they have regular medicines on repeat prescription by checking that they have enough to last them over the bank holiday weekend, and by ordering their repeat prescriptions by Wednesday 25 March if they are due for renewal.
This will help ensure that health is not put at unnecessary risk, delays are minimised, and enough time is given for requests to be processed and dispensed.
Most repeat prescription requests can be made online, via local practice websites or through the NHS App. Residents without internet access can approach their GP practice. For help on how to order a repeat prescription go to How to order a repeat prescription - NHS.
Sukhy Somal, ICS Head of Community Pharmacy Clinical Services for NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board (ICB), said: “As GP practices and pharmacies will have limited opening hours over the Easter bank holiday, it’s important that people are prepared and get their repeat prescription orders in early. This helps avoid running out of medicines and reduces stress over the long weekend. Prescriptions can be requested easily through the NHS App, where they can also choose a convenient pharmacy close to them.”
Shalina Anwar, ICS Community Pharmacy Clinical Lead for NHS Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care Board (ICB), said: “During the Easter bank holiday, pharmacies can help you stay well. Pharmacists are healthcare professionals that can provide help, advice and treatment, if appropriate, for seven common illnesses through the Pharmacy First scheme, without the need for an appointment. They can also advise residents on the best treatments they should have in their home medicine cabinets for common illnesses, so they are well stocked.”
Residents can check which pharmacies will be available over the bank holiday weekend via the following websites:
- Black Country ICB Bank Holiday pharmacy opening times
- Birmingham & Solihull ICB Bank Holiday pharmacy opening times
If urgent health advice or treatment is needed, NHS 111 is available 24/7 and can be accessed by dialling 111, visiting 111.nhs.uk or through the NHS App.
