People with health problems are being urged to order repeat prescriptions before the upcoming bank holidays to avoid a “serious attack or hospitalisation”.

With bank holidays on Monday (May 2) and May 30, the NHS West Essex Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) has reminded people in Epping Forest that most GP practices will be closed.

For health problems, people should self-care or visit one of the open pharmacies wherever possible, the CCG said.

Dr Rob Gerlis, CCG chairman, said: “We want people to enjoy the bank holiday breaks and so a little bit of forward planning can go a long way.

“If you have a long-term health problem, and you take regular medication, remember to order your repeat prescription to avoid suffering a serious attack or hospitalisation if your medical supplies run out.”

Some pharmacies will remain open on bank holiday Monday (May 2).

Boots pharmacy in Epping will open between 10am and 4pm.

In Loughton, Morrisons Pharmacy will open between 7am and 5pm, but will close between 1pm and 2pm.

The weekend GP service continues to run in Epping Forest.

For more information, visit www.westessexccg.nhs.uk.