With the August bank holiday approaching, the North West’s top pharmacist is urging members of the public to order repeat prescriptions in good time.
Chief Pharmacist, Karen O’Brien MBE, who leads the pharmacy service across the region, has advised that any repeat prescriptions due in the days over the August bank holiday should be ordered by Wednesday, 14 August.
During last year’s August bank holiday, NHS 111 phone service saw huge increases in calls about repeat prescriptions. 1635 calls were received by NHS 111 during the bank holiday weekend in 2023, almost doubling from the weekend before when 879 calls were received for repeat prescriptions.
Pharmacies will have limited opening hours over the bank holiday, and many will be closed on Monday 26 August, 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.
Karen said: “Keeping medicine cabinets stocked, knowing when GP practices are open and planning for repeat prescriptions will ensure you can make the most of the bank holiday weekend.
“Running out of your usual medication can have serious consequences, especially if you use them to control a heart condition, breathing problems or have a health condition such as diabetes.”
The region’s lead GP Dr Paula Cowan, Medical Director for Primary Care, reiterated the message saying: “If you take regular medications, for whatever reason, and if you are due a repeat prescription in the week leading up to August bank holiday, please remember to always request repeat prescriptions via your practice or the NHS app by Wednesday, 14 August.
“This enables your practice and pharmacy to have your prescription 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,”
Karen 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, you can phone your GP practice 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. The public should call 999 or attend accident and emergency services in the event of a life or limb threatening emergency. Non-emergency health advice the public contact 111.nhs.uk for their first port of call. If you cannot access 111 online please call 111.
