Prescriptions and Pharmacy First

Important: Be prepared for a public holiday

There are things you can do to prepare, when some NHS services are closed or have different opening hours on public holidays.

• check opening times before visiting a GP or pharmacy, if you don't have an appointment
• pick up your prescriptions in advance
• keep basic over-the-counter remedies at home to help with common seasonal illnesses and injuries:
  • bites, stings, sunburn and hay fever
  • cold and flu
• for health advice, try the symptom checkers on NHS inform or the free NHS 24 app
• speak to your local pharmacy for expert help
• know who to turn to for more serious conditions

Important: Prescriptions

To get your prescription you should visit a local community pharmacy.

If you want to routinely reorder a repeat prescription, your GP practice will be able to advise you on how to do this.

Information at NHS inform about prescriptions includes:

• getting your prescription
• what to do if you run out of medicine
• collecting your prescription
• reordering a repeat prescription
• prescription charges and exemptions
• further information and advice about your prescription