Patients are being reminded to ensure they have enough medication across the Easter bank holidays.

The majority of pharmacies and GP surgeries will be closed on Good Friday on March 30, Easter Sunday on April 1 and Easter Monday on April 2.

A number of pharmacies across mid Essex will be open for people who need urgent help.

Paula Wilkinson, chief pharmacist at Mid Essex CCG, said: “We advise that you put in the order at least a week before your medication is due to run out, as it can take three to four working days to process a repeat prescription.

“The lead-up to Easter sees GPs and community pharmacies even busier than usual, so it’s even more important to be prepared.”

“It’s also worth making sure that you only tick the items you require if you take more than one medicine.

“Using electronic repeat prescriptions is an easy way to help you do this – if you are not already registered for the service, just speak to your GP practice.”

If you do need an emergency supply from a pharmacist, take along an old prescription or the medicine's packaging if you have them.

You can also visit NHS Choices at http://bit.ly/2Gm1LlX or call NHS111 free of charge.

Good Friday

Braintree

  • Boots, 7 George Yard, CM7 1RB. 10am to 16pm
  • Tesco, The Square, Great Notley, CM77 7WW. 8am to 8pm

Maldon

  • Tesco, Fullbridge Road, CM9 4LE. 8am to 8pm
  • Boots, 54 High Street, CM9 5PN. 10am to 3pm 

Witham

  • Boots, 42 Newland Street, CM8 2AR. 8.45am to 5.30pm 

Halstead

  • Boots, 69-71 High Street, Halstead, CO9 2JD. 8.30am to 6pm

Easter Sunday

Burnham

  • Savages Pharmacy, 22 Station Road, CM0 8BQ. 11am to 2pm

Chelmsford

  • Colecross Pharmacy, 1 Hylands Parade, Wood Street, CM2 8BW. 1pm to 4pm

South Woodham Ferrers

  • Govani Chemists, 14 Queen Elizabeth Square, CM3 5TD. 10am to midday

Easter Monday

Braintree

  • Tesco, The Square, Great Notley, CM77 7WW. 9am to 6pm

Maldon

  • Tesco, Fullbridge Road, CM9 4LE. 9am to 6pm
  • Boots, 54 High Street, CM9 5PN. 10am to 3pm 

Witham

  • Boots, 42 Newland Street, CM8 2AR. 10am to 4pm

Halstead

  • Boots, 69-71 High Street, Halstead, CO9 2JD. 10am to 4pm