NORTHUMBERLAND patients who need regular prescribed medication are being urged to order their repeat prescriptions before the Jubilee bank holiday.
GP practices across the county will be closed from Thursday, June 2 until Monday, June 6.
The NHS has warned that forgetting to get enough supplies of essential medication ahead of the bank holiday can put patients’ health at risk and put extra pressure on NHS out-of-hours services.
Dr Neil O’Brien, executive medical director for the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board, said: "During the May bank holiday weekend 1,548 people contacted NHS111 for help after forgetting to order their repeat prescription.
"Last year the service took over 6,290 calls from patients who had run out of medication over the extended holiday weekends.
"Taking daily medication is a vitally important part of treatment for those with long-term health problems and people can become seriously ill, quite quickly, if they run out.
"The best way to avoid this is to ensure that anyone who needs regular medication plans ahead and ensures they have everything they need before the holiday weekend begins.
"Remember NHS111 is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to offer help and advice on a whole range of medical problems when your GP surgery is closed.
"Arranging your repeat prescription before you run out will help to avoid any additional pressure on this vital service, especially over the busy bank holiday weekend."
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