Check your prescriptions ahead for Easter weekend

NHS 24 is reminding people to check they have enough of their repeat prescription to last over the bank holiday weekend.

As many GP practices and pharmacies will have amended opening hours over the holiday, those who rely on prescribed medication are being encouraged to be mindful of how much medication they have, and to reorder in plenty of time if required.

The advice forms part of NHS 24’s annual spring health campaign Healthy Know How.

Tips include ordering only what you need in plenty of time and keeping some medicines to treat common illnesses at home.

If you become unwell, NHS inform has useful symptom checkers to help you decide what to do next. Also be aware that your GP practice and local pharmacy may have amended opening hours over the Easter weekend

NHS 24’s head of pharmacy and associate clinical director, Dr John McAnaw said: “As the date of Easter changes every year, it can be easy to be caught out and forget that GP practices and pharmacies may have amended opening times over the holiday weekend.

“If you are prescribed repeat medication, please take the time now to check how much medication you already have to ensure you have enough to last you over the Easter weekend. If you require additional supplies, be aware that GP practices and pharmacies need time to process requests, so you should get in touch with them now to receive your prescription in time.”

Over the four-day Easter holiday in 2022, NHS 24 experienced a 58 per cent increase in the number of calls to its 111-service when compared to usual call volumes across those days. Also, calls regarding medication was the second most common query to the service over Easter weekend 2022.

Many GP practices and pharmacies throughout Scotland will be closed for four days from Good Friday, throughout the weekend and Easter Monday.

Dr McAnaw added: “By checking your medication now and following our Healthy Know How advice, we hope many more people in Scotland will have a worry-free Easter weekend and have lots of fun with their loved ones. However, if you run out and your local or regular pharmacy is closed, remember you can check where the nearest open pharmacy is to you by checking the service directory on NHS inform or the NHS 24 Online app.”