People living in Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire who are reliant on regular medication to stay well are being reminded to order and collect any necessary medicine before the upcoming bank holiday weekend.

Most pharmacies across the region will close at the end of the day on Friday 26 August, and not reopen again until Tuesday 30 August, following the summer bank holiday on the Monday.

Although emergency medication will be available from the select pharmacies open during the bank holiday weekend, people who take regular medication are being advised to plan ahead.

Previous bank holiday weekends have seen many people run short and subsequently become unwell, which in turn places added pressure on health services that continue to feel the intense effects of sustained demand.

Dr Amanda Webb, Chief Medical Officer, Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board, said: "By planning ahead and ordering repeat prescriptions well in advance of the bank holiday, people can enjoy the long weekend knowing they have what they need to stay well. "Anyone planning on travelling away from home for the weekend should make sure their prescription items are included in the holiday suitcase, and that they have enough to last for the entire duration of the trip.

"Although a bank holiday is a chance to take a step back from everyday life, it is important not to have any kind of pause when it comes to medication, as even a short break can have very serious consequences for people with long-term conditions.

"At a time when all local healthcare services are incredibly busy, something as simple as continuing to take medication, as well as making sure there are enough reserves in the medicine cupboard, can help ease the pressure on our frontline teams."

A small number of pharmacies across the region will remain open on Monday 29 August for people needing emergency medication, and those wishing to receive quick healthcare advice and information. The NHS website has a useful pharmacy locator, which is able to list all available sites within close range of any UK postcode. Additionally, the NHS App also has a built-in function that allows people to order their repeat prescriptions via their smartphone or tablet. The ICB's Prescription Ordering Direct (POD) service also enables people registered at selected GP practices in Swindon and Wiltshire to arrange for their medication to be topped up over the phone.

A full list of the practices that are participating in the POD service can be found online at www.bsw.icb.nhs.uk.