People living across North Lancashire and South Cumbria have been urged to get repeat prescription orders in early ahead of the upcoming bank holiday.
Pharmacies across the region will have limited opening on Monday May 6 for the Early May Bank Holiday, and most GP practices will be closed throughout the extended weekend.
It can sometimes take up to five working days for a practice to issue a repeat prescription and for a pharmacy to process and dispense the medication - so patients who require medication are advised to request their prescriptions at the earliest opportunity.
You can order repeat prescriptions online, through the NHS App or through your GP surgery.
Dr Lindsey Dickinson, associate medical director for NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board, said: “By ordering medicines as soon as possible, it allows enough time for it to be processed and dispensed and helps avoid a last-minute rush.
“It is also a big help for health services, which are usually busier than normal during a bank holiday weekend.”
A list of which pharmacies will be open on bank holiday Monday will be posted here.
For any urgent care needs, people are asked to visit 111.nhs.uk or call 111.
With another bank holiday later in May (Monday 27), now is a good time to top up your medicine cabinets to make sure you have the essentials to hand should you require them over the two extended weekends.
A properly stocked medicine cabinet can help you treat many common illnesses and ailments, so it is important that you regularly check on expiry dates so that you can replace any out of date items.
Dr Dickinson added: “Medication such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, anti-diarrhoea tablets, oral rehydration salts, cough and cold medicine, antihistamines, and indigestion medicine should be essential items to have in your medicine cabinet.
“A first aid kit including a thermometer and ice and heat packs for pain is also recommended. You can speak to your local pharmacist for advice on what would be helpful to stock up on for any conditions you and your family members may have.”
As well as GPs and pharmacists, dentists also have limited bank holiday opening. but you can still access urgent dental services over the bank holiday. The Dental Helpline can provide advice, support and an appointment where required. Call 0300 1234 010 between 8am and 9pm Monday to Friday, 10am to 5pm weekends and bank holidays.
Outside of these hours, you can also call 111 for urgent dental support.
LISTEN: Friends pay heartfelt tribute to Lancaster pub landlord
VIDEO: Morecambe road safety champion out on 'Pothole Patrol'
Money laundering arrests after stops in Lancaster and Morecambe
Lancaster man jailed after police find drugs hidden in crisp packets
Crews spend three hours dealing with commercial property fire in Carnforth
National League place Morecambe FC under embargo
LISTEN: 'Wacky Week' of events to celebrate Eric Morecambe's 100th birthday
Dropped kerbs in Lancaster will "make a real and meaningful difference to people's lives"
LISTEN: Ice cream day held to remember figurehead of Lancaster hospice
Morecambe cheerleaders backflip their way to double international gold
LISTEN: How you can help save vital Lancaster animal shelter
Calls for Lancaster restaurant to lose licence over use of illegal workers and unpaid fines
New era beckons for Morecambe pub after 18 years of Lancaster Brewery ownership
Morecambe West End Pride in Place Board holds inaugural meeting
Plaque unveiled to officially name carved owls known as 'Guardians of Carnforth'
Public urged to be vigilant about counterfeit currency in Lancashire
Reminder as every-three-weeks bin collections due to start soon
Climate change and Local Government Reorganisation talks to be held in Lancaster
Plans to spend £72m on roads after Reform UK sets first Lancashire County Council budget
