PHARMACIES are vital for people who need to collect prescriptions or to keep on top of their medication.
Here, we explain how you can find out which pharmacies are open over the Easter bank holiday weekend, in order to avoid disappointment.
1
Are pharmacies open over the Easter bank holiday?
It’s always best to be prepared, so if you know you will need any medicines or repeat prescriptions it is advised to visit your pharmacy before the long Easter weekend.
The Easter bank holiday starts on Good Friday and continues through to Easter Monday.
There is no set rule on pharmacies staying open over the Easter bank holiday.
However the NHS website has provided a list of 60 pharmacies that will remain open over the long bank holiday weekend.
These will be open for limited hours in order to help customers get any essential medicines or treatments.
Many of the pharmacies will only be open for a period of four hours on Good Friday and Easter Monday.
Saturday will be a normal day as it is not considered a bank holiday.
The NHS website also provides a find a pharmacy service, which allows users to type their postcode and find the nearest available pharmacy open over the bank holiday weekend.
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It is important to check this beforehand to avoid going to a pharmacy and finding it is closed, causing yourself unwanted inconvenience.
Patients are also advised to use the NHS app, which will also be able to locate a pharmacy near you that is open.
The app can also be used to request repeat prescriptions.
Most GP services will be closed across the weekend, or be operating reduced hours.
It may be useful to check times and availability before the break.
Pharmacists can assist on a range of minor medical issues, but you can also use the NHS 111 online service if you need quick medical advice.
111 can also be dialled if you are unable to access the internet.
If in need of non-urgent medical attention, there are a number of walk-in centres which are open 365 days a year.
All medical emergencies should be dealt with in the usual way by dialling 999.
