Rhianna Benson
Ahead of the long-awaited three-day weekend we've all been looking forward to, the NHS has issued important advice to Brits.
The health alert has specifically been issued to those who take daily - or even regular - medication, with advice being to act upon the new guidance immediately.
People are being urged to plan well in advance with regards to their healthcare amid the August bank holiday (26 August).
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The NHS issued a reminder to plan ahead by ordering repeat prescriptions in advance and make a plan of action in the event that they, or a member of their family, falls ill.
The health service stated: "The NHS is advising that repeat prescriptions should be ordered seven days ahead of the bank holiday to allow enough time for prescriptions to be processed and for any potential issues to be addressed before the holidays."
It adds that the most seamless way to order repeat prescriptions is by using the NHS App, and reminds people that they are given the ability to choose which pharmacy they'd prefer their medication to be sent to, as well as tracking their order.
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NHS Cheshire and Merseyside’s Chief Pharmacist, Susanne Lynch MBE, said: “If you take regular medications, please remember to plan ahead and order any repeat prescriptions you will need in plenty of time before the August bank holiday, when GP practices are closed, and some pharmacies will also be closed or opening with reduced hours.
“Don’t wait for your prescription to run out if you rely on regular medication to manage a condition, as it can take time for your request to be processed by your GP practice and dispensed by your pharmacy. We advise planning around seven days in advance.”
Aside from prescriptions, Dr Jonathan Griffiths, Associate Medical Director for Primary Care at NHS Cheshire and Merseyside, has stressed the importance of planning ahead in case of an emergency.
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He said: "We want to remind people that our hospitals can often become very busy over a long bank holiday weekend when other health services are closed.
“To help us ensure that our busy ambulance services and hospital A&E departments are kept free for those who need them most – we are reminding people to make NHS 111 their first point of call for all non-life-threatening healthcare treatment and advice or medical help if you're not sure where to go.
“The NHS 111 service offers advice and support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
"You should still call 999 or go straight to A&E in an emergency situation when someone is seriously ill or injured, and you think their life may be at risk."