PATIENTS across Gwent are being urged to sort out repeat prescriptions ahead of the Easter weekend, to minimise delays in getting medicines over the busy holiday.

Health bosses want to avoid a repeat of the situation last Easter, when the normal weekend average of 600 - 700 calls per 24 hours shot up to 950 on Good Friday alone.

GP practices will be closed for four days, from Good Friday to Easter Monday inclusive (April 14 - 17) as they were last year.

The Gwent out-of-hours service will be handling all GP calls and last year it had to cope with major increases in requests for routine medical help. The surge of inquiries on Good Friday included 400 calls in the first four hours. The pressure in dealing with high priority calls meant that delays in dealing with routine requirements were inevitable.

"Easter has proved to be the busiest period by far for the out-of-hours service", said a Gwent Healthcare Trust spokesman.

"To avoid delays for everyone, we are asking all patients who need repeat prescriptions to ensure they get all they need well before for the holiday period and certainly make their requests by Tuesday, April 11."

Patients should make all repeat prescription requests to their GP practice by the above date, to allow GPs and pharmacies to provide whatever is needed before they close on Thursday April 13.

l Patients requiring to see a doctor urgently over Easter should contact the out-of-hours service on 0845 600 1231.

Dental advice will be available through the Gwent Dental Helpline on 01495 765100 or the dental out-of-hours service on 0845 6020252.