Publish date: 25 March 2026
With the Easter bank holiday weekend on its way, the NHS in Lancashire and South Cumbria is reminding people to order any repeat prescriptions early.
GP practices and most pharmacies in the region will be closed for up to four days – from Good Friday 3 April to Easter Monday 6 April – so it is recommended that prescriptions are requested at least five days earlier than you normally would to avoid being left without medication.
A limited number of pharmacies will be open as usual and will be available on the NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) website in the coming days.
The NHS 111 service often sees a surge in the number of people asking for emergency prescriptions at bank holidays because people have forgotten to order in time. By ordering as early as possible, this helps avoid a last-minute rush at pharmacies and keeps 111 free for those that need it most.
Dr Lindsey Dickinson, an associate medical director at the ICB, which organises healthcare services in the region, said: “Nobody wants to be left without vital medication, and four days is a long time to wait if you suddenly realise you’re running out.
“Ordering your prescription five days early makes it easier for pharmacies to handle a surge of late requests and reduces waiting times for the 111 service for those requiring urgent medical advice.
“It’s easy to order repeat prescriptions using online GP services, via your practice’s website, or on the NHS App, and if you do not have online access, you can phone your GP practice to order prescriptions.”
Most dentists will also be closed over the bank holidays. If your dental practice is closed and you need urgent dental treatment or advice, contact the Lancashire and South Cumbria dental helpline on 0300 1234 010 between 10am to 5pm on weekends and bank holidays. Outside of these hours, for urgent dental support and all urgent care needs, visit 111.nhs.uk or call 111.
NHS 111 will help direct you to the most appropriate service which could be a walk-in centre, pharmacy or an out-of-hours GP appointment.
