Community pharmacies have issued a plea to local residents this Easter; people are asked to check the opening times with their local pharmacy before attending.

NHS England and NHS Improvement had announced that all community pharmacies in England should open between 2.00 and 5.00 pm if possible on the Bank Holidays.  However pharmacies have advised people to check the opening times first, as they suffer staff shortages and pressure on their teams during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Pharmacies have also asked residents not to collect routine prescriptions over the Bank Holiday weekend, not to stockpile and only order what they need, and avoid visiting pharmacies if they have Covid-19 symptoms.

People in vulnerable groups asked by the NHS to stay at home should ask a friend or family member to collect prescriptions on their behalf or ring the Surrey Community Helpline on 0300 200 1008 which is open between 10 am and 4 pm today.