With the May bank holiday approaching, the North West’s deputy regional chief pharmacist is urging members of the public to check their medication and order any repeat prescriptions that are due in good time.
Stephen Riley, Deputy North West Regional Chief Pharmacist, has recommended any repeat prescriptions due in the days over the May bank holiday are ordered by Friday, 25 April.
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Each bank holiday the NHS 111 phone service sees huge increases in calls from people who need urgent repeat prescriptions.
Across the May Day Bank Holiday in 2024, 21,416 calls were received by the NHS 111 service, which was a 53 per cent increase on the 13,965 111 calls received the weekend before (27 – 29 April 2024).
On the same bank holiday weekend, there was a 79 per cent increase in the number of calls for repeat prescriptions, compared to the weekend before.
Community pharmacies across the North West may have limited opening hours over the May bank holiday, and many will be closed on Monday, 5 May, making it more challenging for patients to access medicines at short notice. Waiting and using emergency or urgent services over the break puts added pressure on already busy NHS services.
Stephen said: “Running out of your usual medication can have serious consequences, especially if you use them to manage a long-term condition such as a heart condition, breathing problems or diabetes. There will be community pharmacies open during the bank holiday weekend who can support you with medicines and healthcare needs.”
“Keeping your medicine cabinet stocked, knowing when your GP practice and community pharmacy is open, and planning for repeat prescriptions that are due will ensure you can make the most of the bank holiday weekend. Please check on your medications and only order what you need”.
The region’s lead GP Dr Paula Cowan, Medical Director for Primary Care for NHS England – North West, said: “If you take regular medications, for a long term condition, and if you are due a repeat prescription in the week leading up to May bank holiday weekend, please remember to always request your repeat via your practice or the NHS app by Friday, 25 April.
“This enables your GP practice and community pharmacy to have your repeat medication ready in time for you. This is particularly important ahead of bank holiday weekends. Please help us to help you and avoid any gaps in your medication,”
She added: “The easiest way to order repeat prescriptions is by using GP online services, via the NHS App or through your GP practice website. If you do not have access to GP online services, contact your GP practice as you normally do, to order prescriptions.”
As well as ordering repeat medications, the NHS App allows people to book and cancel appointments at their GP practice, view their health record and get health advice, searching trusted NHS information and advice on hundreds of conditions and treatments. Download the NHS App on the app store or on google play.
Over the May bank holiday, urgent and emergency care services will be open as normal. The public should call 999 or attend accident and emergency services in the event of a life or limb threatening emergency. For non-emergency health advice, people can contact NHS 111 online at 111.nhs.uk, which offers the same help and advice as the telephone service. If you cannot access 111 online, please call 111.
111.nhs.uk can help you with:
Where to get help for your symptoms, if you’re not sure what to do
How to find general health information and advice
Where to get an emergency supply of your prescribed medicine
How to get a repeat prescription
Getting emergency dental appointments
You should still ring 999 if you or someone else experience:
Signs of a heart attack like pain like a heavy weight in the centre of your chest
Signs of stroke such as your face dropping on one side
Difficulty breathing
Heavy bleeding that won’t stop
Seizures or sudden and rapid swelling of the eyes, lips, throat, or tongue
Your local pharmacist can also provide advice and treatment for a wide range of minor conditions. They can also provide treatment were appropriate for the conditions below without the need to see your GP. You can find your nearest pharmacy by going to find your pharmacy.
sinusitis
sore throat
earache
infected insect bites and stings
impetigo
shingles
uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTI) in women
NHS 111 online is not available for children under 5. People looking for urgent medical help for under 5s should use the 111 phone line.
