Ahead of the summer bank holiday on Monday 29 August, people in the North East and Yorkshire are reminded to plan ahead with their medicines needs, and to contact the most appropriate services should they need medical help.

Dr Jonathan Slade, the NHS region’s Medical Director (System Improvement and Professional Standards), said:

“The NHS is here for you if you need us over the summer bank holiday and we’re asking people in the North East and Yorkshire to ensure they’re prepared. Please order any repeat prescriptions you may need to last over the August bank holiday on Monday 29^th.”

Guidance on how to order a repeat prescription is available on the NHS website, and you can also use the NHS App to order repeat prescriptions, or change your nominated pharmacy, in just a few taps.

Dr Slade also encourages people to call their GP practice if they need urgent medical help, but it’s not an emergency. Very often your practice will be able to help you directly or may need to refer you to the 111 service which can tell you where to get help for your symptoms, and arrange a telephone call with a healthcare professional should that be needed.

Health advice and information is also available from the NHS website and your local GP practice website. You can also use the NHS website to find a pharmacy near you which will be open over the bank holiday.

People may also consider having at home a small stock of basic medicines in case needed for minor illness or injury. These may include paracetamol, plasters, indigestion remedy and anti-diarrhoeal medicine. See the NHS website for advice on what you should keep in your first aid kit, or ask your local pharmacist for advice.

If you need urgent medical help and don’t know what to do, you can call your local GP practice, go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111 in the first instance. A&E and 999 remain there for any life-threatening health concerns.