The North West’s Chief Pharmacist is advising members of the public to order any repeat prescriptions ahead of the spring bank holiday, to avoid running out of essential medication.

Karen O’Brien MBE, Regional Chief Pharmacist for NHS England in the North West, recommends any repeat prescriptions due in the days over the May bank holiday should be ordered by Friday 16 May.

Each bank holiday the NHS 111 phone service sees huge increases in calls from people who need urgent repeat prescriptions. Over the last spring bank holiday weekend (25 – 27 May 2024) more than 20,403 calls were received by the NHS 111 service, 2,216 of these calls were for repeat prescriptions.

In the same weekend, there was a 900-call increase in the amount of people calling 111 for emergency repeat prescriptions, compared to the weekend before. Pharmacies may have limited opening hours over the Spring bank holiday, and many will be closed on Monday 26 May, 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 O’Brien said: “Keeping your medicine cabinets stocked, knowing when your GP practice is open, and planning for repeat prescriptions that are due 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 for NHS England in the North West, 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 spring bank holiday weekend, please remember to request it in advance.

“This enables your GP practice and pharmacy to have your repeat medication 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,”

She 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 as normal.  The public should call 999 or attend accident and emergency services in the event of a life or limb threatening emergency. For non-emergency health advice, people can contact NHS 111 online at 111.nhs.uk, which offers the same help and advice as the telephone service. If you cannot access 111 online, please call 111.

111.nhs.uk can help you with:

• where to get help for your symptoms, if you’re not sure what to do
• how to find general health information and advice
• where to get an emergency supply of your prescribed medicine
• how to get a repeat prescription
• getting emergency dental appointments

You should still ring 999 if you or someone else experience:

• signs of a heart attack like pain like a heavy weight in the centre of your chest
• signs of stroke such as your face dropping on one side
• difficulty breathing
• heavy bleeding that won’t stop
• seizures
• or sudden and rapid swelling of the eyes, lips, throat, or tongue

Your local pharmacist can also provide advice and treatment for a wide range of minor conditions. They can also provide treatment were appropriate for the conditions below without the need to see your GP.  You can find your nearest pharmacy by going to find your pharmacy.

• sinusitis
• sore throat
• earache
• infected insect bites and stings
• impetigo
• shingles
• uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTI) in women

NHS 111 online is not available for children under five. People looking for urgent medical help for under 5s should use the 111 phone line.