HEALTH leaders across Essex are encouraging people to be prepared for the four-day Easter weekend.

Patients who need medication have been told to make sure they have enough of their prescriptions.

Dr Hasan Chowhan, a GP in Colchester and chairman of NHS North East Essex Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “The Easter holidays are always a busy time for the NHS and we are urging people to do what they can to ease the pressure on services.

"One of the best things you can do is to ensure you keep some basic medicines at home so you have them available when unexpected minor illness or injury occurs.

“It's also important to have enough repeat medicine to last over the holidays.

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“GP appointments will be available throughout the Easter holiday weekend from bases located across north east Essex.

“You can make an appointment by contacting your own GP practice during its usual opening hours or through the NHS 111 service.

"If you have forgotten to order your regular medicine from your GP and run out over the holiday period, your pharmacist may be able to help by providing an emergency supply. Please remember to take your repeat slip or empty pack with you to show the pharmacist what you usually take.

"If you feel unwell over the Easter weekend, the NHS 111 service is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The service never closes. By calling the freephone number you will speak to a trained advisor, be given an assessment and advice and directed to the most appropriate service for your needs. You can also access NHS 111 online."

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These are the pharmacies which will be open over the Easter weekend.

Colchester

Asda, Turner Rise

Good Friday 9am to 6pm

Easter Sunday CLOSED

Easter Monday 9am to 6pm

Boots, Plume Avenue, Colchester

Good Friday 8am to 11pm

Easter Sunday CLOSED

Easter Monday 11am to 3pm

Boots, Barfield Road, West Mersea

Good Friday 8.30am to 6.30pm

Easter Sunday CLOSED

Easter Monday 10am to 4pm

Boots, Lion Walk, Colchester

Good Friday 8.30am to 6pm

Easter Sunday CLOSED

Easter Monday 10.30am to 4.30pm

Boots, Victoria Place, Brightlingsea

Good Friday 8.30am to 6pm

Easter Sunday CLOSED

Easter Monday 10am to 2pm

Boots, Tamarisk Way, Greenstead

Good Friday 9am to 1pm

Easter Sunday CLOSED

Easter Monday CLOSED

Boots, Tollgate

Good Friday 10am to 11.59pm

Easter Sunday CLOSED

Easter Monday 10am to 11.59pm

Lloyds Pharmacy, Sainsbury’s, Stanway

Good Friday 9am to 5pm

Easter Sunday CLOSED

Easter Monday 9am to 5pm

Queen Street Pharmacy

Good Friday CLOSED

Easter Sunday 1pm to 3pm

Easter Monday CLOSED

Tesco, Highwoods

Good Friday 12pm to 4pm

Easter Sunday CLOSED

Easter Monday 12pm to 4pm

* Prescription 2 You Healthcare, in Pier Avenue, Clacton will also be open on Easter Sunday from 1am to 4pm.