The reminder comes from NHS Cheshire and Merseyside, which is encouraging people to plan ahead to avoid running out of essential medication during the long weekend when GP practices will be closed and many pharmacies will have reduced opening hours.
The NHS recommends that any repeat prescriptions due during the bank holiday (Saturday, August 23 to Monday, August 25) should be ordered by Friday, August 15 to ensure there is enough time for GP practices and pharmacies to process and dispense the medication.
Susanne Lynch MBE, chief pharmacist at NHS Cheshire and Merseyside, said: “Please remember to plan ahead and order any repeat prescriptions in plenty of time before the August bank holiday when GP practices are closed, and some pharmacies will also be closed or opening with reduced hours.
“Don’t wait for your prescription to run out if you rely on regular medication to manage a condition, as it can take time for your request to be approved by your GP practice and dispensed by your pharmacy.”
During the last summer bank holiday weekend, the North West NHS 111 service answered 17,250 calls, 2,357 of which were for repeat prescriptions.
Ms Lynch also recommended checking existing medication supplies and only ordering what is needed.
The NHS App is promoted as the quickest and most convenient way to order repeat prescriptions, allowing patients to choose their pharmacy, track orders, and manage other aspects of their healthcare.
People are also being advised to familiarise themselves with urgent care options in case they or a loved one need medical help over the bank holiday.
Dr Fiona Lemmens, deputy medical director at NHS Cheshire and Merseyside, said: “We want to remind people that our hospitals can often become very busy over a long bank holiday weekend when other health services are closed.
“To help us ensure that our ambulance services and hospital A&E departments are kept free for those who need them most, we are reminding people to make NHS 111 their first point of call for all non-emergency healthcare treatment and advice.”