The local NHS is reminding people not to leave it too late to order repeat prescriptions ahead of the upcoming bank holiday (29 August 2022).

During the previous bank holiday, the NHS 111 phoneline saw more than a 400 per cent increase in people contacting to enquire about repeat prescriptions.

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

By re-stocking medicine cabinets, knowing when your GP practice and local pharmacy are open and planning ahead for repeat prescriptions, people can ensure they make the most of the bank holiday weekend.

Any repeat medicines needed over the bank holiday should be ordered before Monday 22 August at the latest, to make sure there is enough time for them to be processed and dispensed. Community pharmacies generally need between 24 and 48 hours from when they receive a repeat prescription to prepare medicines.

The quickest way to order repeat prescriptions is by using GP online services, via the NHS App or through your GP practice’s website.

If you need urgent help over the bank holiday weekend, you can access advice or help via NHS 111. Go to 111.nhs.uk or dial 111 at any time.