Anybody who needs medical advice or to visit a pharmacy over the Easter bank holiday should plan ahead to allow for reduced GP and pharmacy provision over this period.

GP practices will generally be closed on Good Friday and Easter Monday, so will not be making appointments for in-person or telephone consultations on those days. Anyone who needs non-urgent advice should call 111.

Many pharmacies will also be closed, but some will operate on a rota system to provide cover during the Easter break.

If you use the Medicines Order Line to order repeat prescriptions, please check you have sufficient to allow for any delays in ordering over the Easter weekend.

A full the full list of pharmacy opening times is available on the NHS England website.

GP hours over Easter

  • GP practice services will largely be closed on Good Friday (April 15) and Easter Monday (April 18). If you need medical advice, please call 111.
  • On Saturday, April 16, and Sunday, April 17, GP access will be the same as any other weekend.

Community pharmacy services over the bank holiday

  • Some community pharmacies will be open on Good Friday (April 15) and Easter Monday (April 18). Please check your pharmacy website or phone for details.
  • Community pharmacy opening hours on Saturday April 16 will be the same as for any normal Saturday.

Prescriptions

  • Please ensure you order repeat prescriptions in time to ensure you have adequate provision over the Easter holiday.
  • Order your usual prescription online or by an app. Do not go to your GP practice or pharmacy to order prescriptions and only phone them if you cannot order online or by an app. You can order repeat prescriptions on the NHS App and through your GP surgery or pharmacy’s online service, where available. You can find out about ordering medicines online at www.nhs.uk
  • Sales of some medicines may be restricted in quantity by pharmacies to ensure that there is enough for everyone.

Dr Steve Lloyd, Medical Director for NHS Derby and Derbyshire Clinical Commissioning Group said: “With most Covid-19 restrictions now lifted, many people will be enjoying the opportunity to re-connect with family and friends over Easter. However, we are seeing high numbers of patients in our hospitals with Covid-19, so please take care when seeing family.

"If you have not yet received your first vaccination, then you can do so at dozens of vaccination sites around Derby and Derbyshire without an appointment. Anyone who is eligible for a second, third or booster dose should also make an appointment or check for available walk-in clinics as soon as possible."

"It is also important for everyone to remember that healthcare provision is slightly reduced over the Easter holiday."

“Many GP practices and pharmacies will be closing, so people need to plan ahead to ensure they have sufficient supply of their prescriptions.

“And if you do need non-emergency NHS help over the bank holiday please follow the advice or using the NHS app or going to NHS 111 in the first instance.”