Don't forget to order your repeat prescriptions ahead of the long Easter weekend

Chemist filling prescription

With the Easter bank holiday in a couple of weeks (Friday 29 March and Monday 1 April), NHS Greater Manchester (NHS GM) is reminding people to order their repeat prescriptions in good time.

Bank holidays are busy times for the NHS. In addition, GP practices and pharmacies will have limited opening hours which can make it challenging to access medication at short notice. It’s important to make sure you have your prescription ordered a minimum of two weeks in advance to avoid any complications or delays and get you set to enjoy an egg-cellent Easter weekend.

Having a well-stocked medicine cabinet is also a good way to make sure you can treat minor illnesses or injuries at home. NHS GM recommends having a number of items to hand including pain relief such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, antihistamines, indigestion relief remedies and a first-aid kit with plasters, antiseptic and eyewash solution – you can see a full list here.

If people do feel unwell over the bank holiday weekend, they can go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111 who can give helpful advice, or book you an urgent appointment if needed. You can also visit your local pharmacy without the need for an appointment, however, many pharmacies will operate reduced hours or be closed over the bank holiday weekend, so check your local pharmacy Easter bank holidays opening times before you travel.

Dental support can be accessed via the Greater Manchester dental helpline (0333 332 3800), which is available from 8am to 10pm every day, including weekends and bank holidays for those who need help urgently when their practice is closed, or do not have a regular dentist. Please note, there will be a charge for an urgent dental treatment appointment, unless you receive certain benefits.

Anyone requiring eye care services should be aware that Greater Manchester’s Urgent Eyecare Services (UES) can help people access free urgent NHS care – find a local UES optician.

Mental health support will continue to be available throughout the bank holiday period. Find details of your local services. For urgent help in a mental health crisis, freephone your local 24-hour helpline:

• Bolton, Manchester, Salford, Trafford and Wigan call 0800 953 0285
• Bury, Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale, Oldham, Stockport, and Tameside and Glossop call 0800 014 9995

As ever, if there is a medical emergency, where someone is seriously injured or their life is at risk, the public should dial 999.

Dr Manisha Kumar, Chief Medical Officer at NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care, said: “We want everyone to enjoy a safe and healthy bank holiday weekend. Running out of your usual medication can be a huge worry and have serious consequences, so it’s important to plan ahead and order any prescriptions you may need over the long weekend. You can order repeat prescriptions by contacting your GP, visiting NHS 111 online or via the NHS app, where you can have your prescription delivered to a pharmacy of your choice – useful if you are away this Easter.

“Our NHS services are currently experiencing high levels of demand and this is expected to increase over the bank holiday weekend. To help us ensure that we can prioritise those who need urgent and emergency care, we ask for public’s support by getting to know the most appropriate NHS service for their needs. NHS 111 should be your first port of call if you are unsure in a non-emergency.”