Patients urged to order repeat prescriptions before holiday weekends

People who take regular medications have been urged to check they have sufficient supplies to last the long Easter weekend (Good Friday, 18 April to Easter Monday, 21 April) and to order a repeat prescription now if necessary.

Most general practices and pharmacies in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes will close for some or all of the holiday period, so one of the region’s most senior doctors has issued a reminder to patients who take regular doses of medicines or use medical devices.

Dr Sanhita Chakrabarti, deputy chief medical officer at Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board, said:

“It’s important to plan ahead and order your repeat prescription in plenty of time, to make sure you don’t run out over Easter.  Remember that once your request has been approved, you’ll still need to allow time for collection or delivery.”

“With bank holidays on either side of the Easter weekend and then two more bank holiday weekends coming up at the start and end of May, it’s important to plan ahead.  To avoid an unexpected gap in your medication, which can be unhelpful or even dangerous in some circumstances, please make sure you order your prescription in good time.

“The NHS App allows you to order your repeat prescription 24 hours a day, if you suddenly realise you are running low on a medicine.  It’s available for iOS and Android devices.”