Easter warning for those with repeat prescriptions

The reminder is part of a new health campaign, reminding people to get their medication when they need it, check they have enough medication regularly, and to book their next medication review with their GP in advance to avoid stressful emergency orders.

With almost half the population reliant on repeat prescriptions, according to Pharmacy2U, the ‘be prepared’ call comes ahead of the Bank Holiday weekend when access to GPs may be reduced.

To make sure that people remain safe as the Easter Holidays get underway, Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership is encouraging people to prepare by ensuring they have enough of their repeat prescriptions, and to plan in advance for common illnesses with over-the-counter medicines, as well as looking up their GP surgery and local pharmacy opening times. 

The plea comes as Covid rates remain high and the NHS in Greater Manchester continues to be very busy with high demand for services and high levels of hospital bed occupancy all while tackling the elective backlog.

The NHS is now inviting parents and children to grab a jab at any local Covid-19 drop-in clinic ahead of the Easter holidays to help avoid any disruption to plans due to illness.

For dental help over the holidays, the Greater Manchester dental helpline (0333 332 3800) 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.

GP out-of-hours services between 6:30pm and 8:00am, can be accessed by calling your GP surgery on their usual number. Specific hours and the way to book appointments may vary.

Aneet Kapoor, pharmacist and chair of Greater Manchester Local Pharmacy Network said: “We hope this new campaign, which has launched first on social media, will remind people the importance of ordering their repeat prescription in advance and make sure they are stocked up with their medicines for the holiday period.

“In addition to NHS 111, pharmacists can give confidential and expert advice on everyday illnesses. There are lots of pharmacies open until late as well as at weekends and you don’t need an appointment. Most pharmacies also have a confidential consulting area for anyone who wants to talk in private, so it is always a good idea to think pharmacy first.

“One of the best things you can do is to keep some basic medicines at home, so you have them available when unexpected minor illness or injury occurs. Most minor illnesses will start to get better within a couple of days.” 

The campaign is encouraging people to order their prescriptions.