Patients urged to stock up on medicines before Easter

Yorkshire and Humber's NHS 111 service gets a large number of calls over bank holiday periods from people who have run out of medication.

Its advisors are asking everyone to make sure that they have enough supplies at home this weekend.

Missing daily medication could have serious consequences, especially for those relying on medicines to control heart and breathing problems.

Dr Eithne Cummins, medical lead of integrated and urgent care, said: “Easter is a busy bank holiday period for everyone.

“GP surgeries are closed on Good Friday and Easter Monday and it is easy to forget about repeat prescriptions.”

She added: “Any repeat prescriptions should be requested from your GP in the next few days, so that you can enjoy the bank holiday weekend without the worry of running out.

“Please also remind any friends or relatives coming to stay with you to pack their own medicines.”

Common ailments like coughs, colds, diarrhoea and vomiting can be tackled with over-the-counter remedies.

Visit the NHS Choices website for information on stocking a medicine cabinet and treating minor medical conditions.