Repeat prescriptions reminder for May bank holiday

The region’s NHS 111 service is reminding patients to order and collect their repeat prescriptions in time for the upcoming May bank holiday.

Over bank holiday periods, the NHS 111 service often receives a significant number of calls from people who have run out of their regular medication. This not only causes stress for patients, but also increases the pressure on already busy urgent care and out-of-hours NHS services. The NHS 111 service is asking everyone to ensure that they have sufficient stock at home.

It’s also important that anyone going away this bank holiday remembers to pack their medication. Missing out on daily medication can have serious consequences, especially for people who rely on tablets and other medicines to control heart and breathing problems.

GP surgeries will be closed on Monday 25 May, so people should check that they have enough medication to last them.

Repeat prescriptions should be requested from your GP or pharmacist or by logging into the NHS App or the NHS website in the next couple of days, so that you can enjoy the bank holiday weekend without the worry of running out of essential tablets and medicines.

Pharmacy First

Community pharmacies provide easy access to healthcare advice and treatments for a range of minor ailments and conditions without the need to see a GP.

Through the Pharmacy First scheme, pharmacists can help with common illnesses, such as a sore throat, earache, skin infections and more, without an appointment. This can help people access quick support over the bank holiday period while easing pressure on services.

However, some pharmacies will be closed or have different opening hours over the bank holiday, so remember to check this first.

Useful information about prescriptions and how pharmacies can help is available at: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/prescriptions-and-pharmacies/pharmacies/how-your-pharmacy-can-help/.