PATIENTS in Oxfordshire are being urged to order repeat prescriptions in time for the coming bank holiday weekend.

On Monday (September 19) many community pharmacies and all GP surgeries will be closed, so the advice from the Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board is to plan ahead and order repeat prescriptions as soon as possible before the start of the long weekend.

Dr Abid Irfan, interim director of primary care at the Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board, said: "Help yourself stay well over the bank holiday by making sure you have enough of your medication to see you through. Order your repeat prescription well in advance, especially if you're going away.

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"If you do run out of your medication, NHS 111 online can offer advice on how to get an emergency supply. But it's always best to be prepared."

There will still be a range of local health services available across Oxfordshire during the weekend for anyone who needs them.

The care board said that community pharmacies will be able to give advice about minor illnesses and conditions advice on how to manage your medicines.

NHS 111 online, 111.nhs.uk - available 24 hours a day, every day for clinical advice - can also help patients get an emergency supply of prescription medicine at a local pharmacy if they run out over the holiday weekend.

If you are unable to use online services, call 111 free from mobiles or landlines.

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This story was written by Anna Colivicchi, she joined the team this year and covers health stories for the Oxfordshire papers. 

Get in touch with her by emailing: Anna.colivicchi@newsquest.co.uk

Follow her on Twitter @AnnaColivicchi