PATIENTS across Somerset are being asked to plan ahead for the August bank holiday weekend (24 – 26 August) by ordering repeat prescriptions needed for the future.

During the bank holidays over 70 Somerset pharmacies will be closed with some having limited opening times.

The quickest way to order repeat prescriptions at a time that is convenient to you is by using the NHS app.

The NHS is advising that repeat prescriptions should be ordered at least seven working days ahead of the bank holiday to guarantee that they will be available in time.

Using the app, you can select which pharmacy you’d like your medication to be sent to and track the progress of your order.

Parents and carers are also reminded that if your child is unwell, you can download Somerset’s ‘HANDi App’ for expert advice on common illnesses and treatments.

Alternatively, if you do not want to use the apps, many local pharmacies offer a repeat prescription service which you can find more about by contacting them.

To see if your pharmacy is open you can view it online.

Doctor Bernie Marden, the NHS Chief Medical Officer for Somerset, said: “Please remember to plan and order any repeat prescriptions in plenty of time before the August bank holiday period when GP practices are closed.

“Don’t wait for your prescription to run out, as it can take time for your request to be approved by your GP practice.

“We advise around seven days in advance.”

With the bank holidays almost upon us, NHS Somerset’s Director of Primary Care Sukeina Kassam is urging people to use NHS 111 for all non-emergency healthcare needs.

“You should still call 999 or go to A&E in an emergency when someone is seriously ill or injured, and their life may be at risk.

“We want to remind people that our hospitals can often become very busy over a long bank holiday weekend.”