GPs and pharmacies in Kent will stay open across the Easter bank holiday so people can access vital services amid the Covid-19 crisis.

While the public is urged to follow government advice to stay home, NHS services will be operating as normal for those needing to see a doctor or pick up prescriptions and medical supplies.

Dr Nikki Kanani, GP and director of primary care for the NHS said: "The NHS is helping people with the biggest healthcare crisis in our history, and while the NHS is still there for people who need it, the public must play their part by following government advice and staying at home.

"NHS staff across the country are pulling out all the stops to treat and care for patients during the coronavirus outbreak - this won’t stop during the bank holiday weekend.

"GP and pharmacy staff are working incredibly hard to provide advice and medicines to those who need it."

Kent and Medway Clinical Commissioning Group confirmed GP practices are running normal weekday opening times both today and on Easter Monday, and usual weekend hours tomorrow and on Easter Sunday.

Anyone needing to book an appointment is asked to do so by calling their practice, as many doctor and nurse appointments are now being carried out by phone or video link rather than in person.

If face-to-face appointments are necessary and a patient's usual GP practice is not open, they will be directed to another nearby service.

There may be times when some GP surgeries need to close either due to staff sickness and self-isolation, or to carry out cleaning.

If there are temporary closures of individual surgeries, appointments will continue to be available either by phone, video or from other surgeries within the network.

Meanwhile, many community pharmacies will be open for a minimum of three hours today and on Easter Monday, with some open longer.

Normal Saturday and Easter Sunday opening hours will also apply. Check pharmacy websites or phone for details before visiting.

Repeat prescriptions should be ordered in their usual quantities at the usual time, either online or on the NHS app.

When collecting prescriptions, social distancing rules will apply and pharmacy staff will be ensuring these measures are followed in order to protect the public and staff.

Those over the age of 70, who have a long-term health condition or who are pregnant should arrange for their prescriptions to be collected by a relative or friend and delivered safely to them.

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