NHS gives urgent warning to anyone taking medication ahead of Easter weekend that could have 'serious consequences'

The NHS has issued a vital warning about medication preparation and knowing where to go if you need urgent help. The advice comes ahead of the long Easter weekend and the next round of junior doctors strikes starting straight after.

The bank holiday and strike period is expected to be 'very busy', according to the NHS. Easter weekend will last from Friday 7 to Monday April 10, followed by a four-day junior doctor industrial strike from April 11 to 14.

Those who take regular medication need to make sure their repeat prescriptions are ordered early from their pharmacist, and ideally no later than today, April 3, ensure they receive their medication ahead of the bank holiday, says the NHS in Greater Manchester. The health service has also given important guidance on how to get help over the long weekend and during the strike days.

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NHS Greater Manchester is reminding the public they can get advice and treatment for lots of minor illnesses and ailments from a local pharmacy, without the need for an appointment. Many local pharmacies will still be open over the bank holiday, but some will operate with reduced hours – people can find pharmacy Easter bank holiday opening times here.

Dental support can be accessed via the Greater Manchester dental helpline (0333 332 3800), which is available from 8am to 10pm every day, including weekends and bank holidays for those who need help urgently when their practice is closed, or do not have a regular dentist. Those who need to be seen by a health professional face to face are being asked to go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111,who will help direct themto