Published on: 10 April 2025
This year the Easter Bank Holiday runs from 18 April (Good Friday) until 21 April. During that time there will be a change in opening times for some NHS services, including GP practices and pharmacies.
That’s why Healthcare bosses across Herefordshire and Worcestershire are reminding people to order their repeat prescriptions on time, to ensure they have the medication they need over the Easter Weekend. You can do this using the NHS App or your GP practice’s website.
People are also reminded to think NHS 111 first. This means visiting 111.nhs.uk or using the NHS App for any urgent but not life-threatening illnesses or injuries. Trained advisers can direct people to the best possible care including arranging a phone call from a healthcare professional if needed.
Local pharmacists will give you expert, confidential advice as well as medicines for minor ailments such as colds, tummy troubles, hay fever but have also expanded their services to advise on shingles, sore throats, infected insect bites, UTIs in females aged 16-64 years and impetigo as examples.
NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire Pharmacy Lead, Alison Rogers, says:
“It’s important to plan ahead and make sure you’re fully prepared for the Easter Bank Holiday.
There are a number of different things people can do to be ready, for example, keep a supply of remedies for coughs and colds at home, remember to collect your repeat prescription from the pharmacy and know which healthcare services are available to you.
You can visit NHS 111 online, which is a free NHS Service and can quickly direct you to the right health service, including out of hours GP appointments. Pharmacies will be open throughout the Bank Holiday period to help you.
