People urged to get medication to avoid backlog

It takes pharmacy teams a minimum of seven days to process repeat prescriptions for collection

People who take regular medications are being urged to check and order their repeat prescriptions to avoid last-minute bank holiday problems.

GPs and many pharmacies will be closed over the bank holiday around Bristol, Somerset and Gloucestershire.

Staff said it took pharmacy teams a minimum of seven days to process repeat prescriptions for collection, and it comes as a few already struggle with an increase in workload.

Dr Joanne Medhurst, chief medical officer at NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire, said: “Now is the time to check how much you have left and placing an order if you think you’re going to run out over the bank holiday."

Reviews and authorisation

Ms Medhurst added: “There are steps our dedicated pharmacy teams must take to get your order ready.

"These include allowing enough time for your GP to review and authorise your prescription, putting in the order for your medication, getting the right medication into stock and preparing your individual prescription.

“Bank holidays should be spent relaxing, enjoying the longer weekend. So, avoid the stress and check your prescription now.”

The call comes as pharmacies are being expected to do more and take pressure off GPs, through initiatives such as with the new Pharmacy First scheme.

West Hill Pharmacy in Portishead, North Somerset, had to close for a few days in March when it struggled when a high volume of prescriptions were being redirected to it after other local pharmacies shut.

Prescriptions could be requested on the NHS App, online, over the phone or face to face at a GP surgery, and sent directly to a preferred pharmacy for collection, staff said.