With Easter just around the corner, a local pharmacist is reminding Essex residents to plan ahead and stock up on essential medication — including for hay fever and other seasonal conditions — before GP practices and many pharmacies close for the long bank holiday weekend.
Husain Master, a pharmacist based in Tilbury, is urging people not to leave it to the last minute, especially when it comes to repeat prescriptions. With both Good Friday (18 April) and Easter Monday (21 April) seeing widespread closures, the advice is clear: get ahead to avoid the rush.
We see a lot of people trying to sort out their repeat prescriptions before their GP practice and pharmacy shut over the bank holidays. This leads to higher numbers of prescriptions waiting to be dispensed and longer queues.
My advice is – don’t leave it late! If you’re going to need to arrange a repeat prescription, use the NHS app for faster ordering without having to contact your practice first, or speak to your GP practice. Make sure you order your repeat prescription at least seven working days before you run out.
– Husain Master, pharmacist
As well as helping with repeat prescriptions, Husain is reminding residents that pharmacists can provide advice on a range of health conditions.
At this time of year, we start to see people coming to the pharmacy for medication and advice to ease symptoms of hay fever. If you are struggling, then please feel free to reach out. Pharmacists are trained professionals that can provide advice on a range of conditions such as coughs, colds and aches and pains.
We are happy to help but remember that many pharmacies may be closed or have different opening times this coming Easter weekend. So, make sure you plan accordingly and check before you travel to your nearest pharmacy.
– Husain Master, pharmacist
NHS Mid and South Essex advises people to check NHS 111 online if they need urgent help or call 111. The 111 service directs people to the most appropriate NHS service near them that can help based on their symptoms.
The 111 online symptom checker and phone line are open 24 hours a day. Emergency lines are also 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 995 1000.
For more information on bank holiday services and looking after personal healthcare over the weekend, visit the NHS Mid and South Essex website:
Healthcare services over a bank holiday