Bank holiday prescriptions | News and events

Local health leaders are calling on local people to make sure they don’t run out of any repeat prescriptions they may rely on over the upcoming Bank Holiday weekend (Friday 23 August– Monday 26 August), as the latest data shows that emergency medication requests are one of the top ten reasons that people call NHS 111 locally.

GP practices will be closed over the bank holiday weekend and only some pharmacies will be open, meaning people may not be able to order and pick up a prescription at short notice. Making last-minute requests can cause real stress for the individual, whilst also adding pressure to GP practices, pharmacies, and other NHS services.  

Sati Ubhi, Chief Pharmacist at NHS Cambridgeshire & Peterborough ICB said: “NHS services across our area are under pressure right now, and we can all do simple things to help. This includes making sure that you don’t run out of medications by ordering repeat prescriptions in good time, allowing at least seven days for your pharmacies to fill them.

“If you do run out of your prescription completely and urgently need your medication, you can request it online via NHS 111. By using the online emergency prescription service rather than calling 111, you can help reduce pressure on our NHS teams."

Ordering repeat prescriptions is easier than ever. Most repeat medication requests can be made through the NHS App, online or via your local GP practice website. People who do not use the internet can speak to their GP practice to obtain their repeat prescription. 

You can download the NHS App on Google Play or on the App Store and find your local pharmacy online on it too.