Get your medication while there is still time, advises a local pharmacist as the NHS gets ready for the long weekend.
GP practices and many pharmacies are closed for bank holidays which means they will be closed for four days this Easter. The change in hours can catch some people out when planning their medication refills.
Sanjay Patel, a pharmacist from Thorpe Bay, said before every bank holiday their pharmacy sees a last-minute rush as people try to arrange their repeat prescriptions before GP practices and pharmacies close over the weekend.
It’s the same thing before every bank holiday as we see a rush of people who are anxiously trying to pick up their medication. Many people might be going away with the family for a week or two and they are desperate to make sure they have enough medication while away. It puts a lot of extra pressure on our team.
Sanjay Patel, Thorpe Bay pharmacist
It’s not just pharmacies that see queries about repeat prescriptions ahead of the bank holiday weekend. NHS 111 online also sees steep rises in demand. In December 2025, which also had a four-day bank holiday weekend, over 18% of all queries were from people needing to arrange an urgent repeat prescription.
Falling behind on urgent repeat prescriptions risks leaving people without essential medication when they need it most – and also puts unnecessary pressure on NHS services.
Sanjay said: “We do what we can to help everyone and make sure that no one goes without, but we need your help. If there is one thing you can do to make it easier for us – and yourselves – please don’t leave it to the last minute.”
“Check now if you will need more medication and if you do, let your GP practice know or use the NHS app. Remember, you should order your repeat prescription at least seven working days before you run out.”
When GP practices and pharmacies are closed on bank holidays, NHS Mid and South Essex advises people use NHS 111 online or call 111 if they need medical help and advice. The 111 service will direct people to the most appropriate NHS service for their needs.
The 111 online symptom checker and phone line are open 24 hours a day. Emergency lines are also always open 24 hours a day for serious and life-threatening emergencies.
In case of a mental health crisis, adults can call NHS 111 and select the option for mental health at any time. Young people under 18 can call 0800 953 0222 during normal working hours or 0800 995 1000 out of hours including bank holidays.