NHS urges patients to 'plan ahead' for Easter

THE NHS has urged patients across the North East to “plan ahead, stay safe, and use the right NHS services” ahead of the Easter bank holiday weekend.

- CATHERINE ADDISON SWAN

The health service has issued a reminder that many GP surgeries and local pharmacies will be closed over the long weekend between Good Friday on April 18 and Easter Monday on April 21.

Anyone who needs repeat prescriptions is asked to order them early, while every household has been advised to ensure their medicine cabinets are stocked with everyday essentials in order to help reduce pressure on busy NHS services.

Dr Neil O’Brien, chief medical officer, NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB), said: “Bank holidays are always a busy time for the NHS. Our teams are here to help if you need urgent care, but there can be long waits, so we're asking the public to please help us by planning ahead.”