Allow 3 working days to get your repeat meds ahead of Bank Holiday, says NHS

People taking regular medication are being urged not to wait until it's too late to order their repeat prescriptions, ahead of the Bank Holiday.

With most GP surgeries and many community pharmacies closed on Monday 25 August, the regional NHS is reminding everyone to plan ahead and avoid running out of essential medication.

It can take up to three days to process a repeat prescription, so ordering early is key.

Be prepared ahead of the long weekend

Ewan Maule, clinical director of medicines and pharmacy for the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB), added: “It’s really important to order repeat prescriptions in plenty of time and not rely on the emergency prescription service when you’ve left it too late.

In our region, the NHS emergency prescription service deals with an average of 9,000 calls and online requests per month, which is increased pressure on already stretched NHS services. This demand increases 30% on Saturdays.

The easiest way to order repeat prescriptions is by using online services, such as the NHS App or through your own GP practice website. If you don't have access to online services, you can contact your GP practice to order prescriptions directly.

“Some local community pharmacies will be open, and if your medication is in stock, they can help. Our bank holiday pharmacy opening times webpage will list which are available, and details will also be shared on NHS websites and social media channels.”

Local NHS leads are also taking the opportunity to remind people to take a little extra care over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Dr Neil O’Brien, chief medical officer for the ICB, said: “The summer bank holiday is almost here, and we’re asking everyone just to take a few simple steps now to help avoid unnecessary and avoidable use of urgent and emergency care services.

“Whilst our NHS teams will always be here for people who urgently need treatment, we often get high demand over bank holidays, which can mean extra pressure on services and longer waits for patients. So, taking a little extra care over the long weekend and having enough medication in your medicine cabinet will really help.”

Three things you can do to help

Order your repeat prescriptions now – don’t leave it until the last minute.
Keep your medicine cabinet stocked with essentials such as paracetamol, indigestion tablets, plasters and antiseptic cream.
Stay safe – take care when gardening, doing DIY or enjoying outdoor activities, and try to reduce alcohol intake.

How to order repeat prescriptions

Order via your GP practice website or by phone (registration required).
Use the NHS App – download from Google Play or the App Store; you can register without visiting your practice
Order in person at your GP practice.

Be prepared

Community pharmacists can advise on self-care and common health conditions.
Some conditions, like infected insect bites, can be treated by community pharmacies.
Health information is available via the NHS App, NHS.uk, or your GP practice website.
For children’s health advice, download The Little Orange Book covering common minor ailments and more serious symptoms.

If you need care over the bank holiday

Minor illness or injury – use NHS 111 online for advice and to find the right care.
Mental health crisis – call NHS 111 and select the urgent mental health option (available 24/7 for all ages).
Emergency care – call 999 or go to your nearest emergency department if it’s life-threatening (including heart attack, stroke, severe bleeding, difficulty breathing, seizures).