Being ill is never fun, especially over a bank holiday; that’s why people across the Vale of York are being urged to make sure they order any repeat prescriptions they need ahead of their GP practice closing on Thursday 17 April.

Forgetting to get repeat prescriptions puts a lot of extra work on urgent care services over bank holidays when people realise they have run out of their regular medication and need to get more supplies urgently.

NHS Vale of York Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is asking patients to phone their GP as soon as possible this week if they need regular medicines to last over the bank holiday.

Dr Andrew Phillips, Clinical Lead for the CCG’s Urgent Care Programme, said: “The message is simple: if you have a repeat prescription, please check that you have enough to last over the four days that your GP practice is closed. That way you don’t risk getting ill if you run out or have to attend the Urgent Care Centre to issue another prescription.”

As well as making sure they have enough repeat prescriptions, people are being urged to only call 999 for an ambulance or to visit A&E in a medical emergency.

Dr Andrew Phillips added: “It is important that everyone knows when the time is right to head to A&E or the Urgent Care Centre.

“Many very minor illnesses, ailments and injuries can be treated with basic self-care at home, first aid or telephone advice from NHS 111. Planning ahead and understanding what your options are in an emergency will help you get the best care as quickly as possible.”

The full range of local health services in the Vale of York area are available on the NHS Choices website: www.nhs.uk

If you or someone you care for requires medicines regularly, make sure you order and collect repeat prescriptions in good time to ensure you have enough medicine to last over Easter.

Some GP practices and pharmacies will be closing during the Easter holiday break.

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