Easter bank holiday prescription warning in Lancashire

Residents in Lancashire are being urged to plan ahead to avoid running out of medication during the long weekend.

As GP practices and most pharmacies will be closed for up to four days, from Good Friday to Easter Monday.

The NHS has advised ordering prescriptions at least five days earlier than usual to ensure they are ready on time.

Dr Lindsey Dickinson, associate medical director at the NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB), said: "Nobody wants to be left without vital medication, and four days is a long time to wait if you suddenly realise you’re running out.

"Ordering your prescription five days early makes it easier for pharmacies to handle a surge of late requests and reduces waiting times for the 111 service for those requiring urgent medical advice.

"It’s easy to order repeat prescriptions using online GP services, via your practice’s website, or on the NHS App, and if you do not have online access, you can phone your GP practice to order prescriptions."

The NHS 111 service often sees increased calls for emergency medication during bank holidays.

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To ease pressure on the service, the public is being encouraged to order early and use 111 only for urgent health needs.

A small number of pharmacies will remain open over the bank holidays, and a full list will be published soon on the ICB website.

Most dental practices will also be closed during this period.