North West health leaders are reminding people not to leave it too late to order repeat prescriptions if they are due in the next few days ahead of the May Bank Holiday and the days of industrial action which will see significant pressure on the NHS.

Every Bank Holiday – the NHS 111 phone service sees huge increases in people contacting it about repeat prescriptions – and Easter was no different with an increase in the numbers contacting 111 for emergency repeats.

In addition, this year, the May Bank Holiday will coincide with industrial action by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), during which time the NHS is expecting significant disruption and it is vital the public are aware of the pressure the health service will be under and know the best way to access care during that time. There will also be some limited action by members of Unite at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust and East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust during this time.

Karen O’Brien MBE leads the pharmacy service across the region and has flagged up that any repeat prescriptions due over the May Bank Holiday need to be ordered today to ensure they are ready before the weekend.

GP practices and pharmacies will have limited opening hours over the period, making it more challenging for patients to access medicines at short notice.

Karen said: “By re-stocking medicine cabinets, knowing when your GP practice is open and planning ahead for repeat prescriptions, people can ensure they make the most of the Bank Holiday and are well-prepared for the busy period the NHS is anticipating.

“Running out of your usual medication can have serious consequences, especially if you use them to control heart and breathing problems or a health condition such as diabetes and is the last thing you want to do while your friends and family are celebrating.”

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 are on a repeat prescription which is due over the Bank Holiday period, please remember to always request your repeat via your practice or the NHS app at least 72 hours in advance.

“This enables your practice and pharmacy to have your repeat 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.”

Dr Cowan added: “The combination of the upcoming bank holiday and strike planned by the RCN and Unite will create significant challenges for the NHS and it is vital the public are aware of the pressure the health service will be under and are aware of the best ways to access the NHS should they require care.

“Over the Bank Holiday and during the period of the industrial action, it is more important than ever that the public know to make NHS 111 Online (www.111.nhs.uk) their first port of call for non-emergency health needs. Urgent and emergency care services will be open over the bank holiday and the industrial action period and people should call 999 or attend accident and emergency services in the event of a life or limb threatening emergency.

“For people who have a regular prescription, electronic repeat dispensing (eRD) allows them to get their medicines from their chosen pharmacy without having to request on a monthly basis from their GP.

“Through eRD a GP can authorise up to 12 months’ worth of a patient’s regular prescription, (as long as the patient is reviewed annually and up to date with blood tests, blood pressure etc) which is then ready for download and dispensing at the chosen pharmacy each time the patient needs it.

“People who have consented to get their regular medication through eRD welcome the convenience of knowing their next prescription will be ready without having to contact their general practice, and say it provides flexibility so they have medication to cover bank holidays. People need to be assessed so please contact your surgery to assess whether this service is applicable to you.”

People are also reminded that the NHS App can help people order repeat medications, meaning they do not need to ring or contact their GP practices, and they can receive notifications once their medication is ready to be collected.

But that isn’t all the app can do. Once an NHS account is linked you can:

• Book appointments – search for, book and cancel appointments at your GP surgery, and see details of your upcoming and past appointments
• View your health record – securely access your GP health record, to see information like your allergies and your current and past medicines. If your GP has given you access to your detailed medical record, you can also see information like test results and details of your consultations
• Get your NHS COVID Pass – view and download your COVID Pass for travel abroad. There are also other ways to get your NHS COVID Pass
• Register your organ donation decision – choose to donate some or all of your organs and check your registered decision
• Find out how the NHS uses your data – choose if data from your health records is shared for research and planning
• View your NHS number

Even without linking the account, people are able to get health advice, searching trusted NHS information and advice on hundreds of conditions and treatments. Answering questions can also receive instant advice or medical help using NHS 111 online.

You can download the NHS App on the app store or on google play.

Anyone requiring a repeat prescription over the King’s Coronation weekend (6-8 May) should contact their GP Practice by Friday April 28.