Repeat prescriptions – order yours before the bank holiday weekend
The NHS in mid and south Essex is reminding people to order their repeat prescriptions in plenty of time before the bank holiday weekend.
On bank holiday Monday, GP practices will be closed, and pharmacies will either be closed or have different opening times. This will mean that there will be less time to organise repeat prescriptions than usual.
NHS Mid and South Essex is asking residents to make sure they order their repeat prescriptions at least seven days before they are due to run out.
You have until the 19th of August at the latest to sort out your repeat prescriptions.
Before the bank holiday weekend
Order your medications as early as possible:
- Please remember to order any repeat prescription medication that you need ahead of the bank holiday weekend.
- You should aim to order your medication no less than seven days before you run out.
- 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.
- It’s important to know how much medication you have left and plan in advance when you need to order more to avoid a last-minute panic.
- If you are going on holiday or visiting family and friends over the bank holiday weekend, remember to take your medication with you. Please remind any visitors you have, to bring their medication with them.
If you are going away, make sure you and your family members bring your medication with you. You will need enough to last for you whole trip as well as extra in case of any delays getting home. If you’re going abroad, just make sure to check the rules of the country you are going to.
Community pharmacy help
Community pharmacies can offer treatment for seven common conditions without patients needing to see a GP. These are:
- earache (for those aged between 1 and 17),
- impetigo
- infected insect bites
- shingles
- sinusitis
- sore throat
- urinary tract infections (UTIs) for women aged 16-64 years
Highly trained pharmacists at most local pharmacies in mid and south Essex can assess and treat patients or signpost to other local services.
On the bank holiday weekend, urgent and emergency services will be open as usual. NHS 111 online and phone lines are available 24 hours a day for advice on symptoms, and emergency lines are always open for serious and life-threatening emergencies.
Utilising Pharmacy First
The new NHS Pharmacy First advanced service launched on Wednesday 31 January 2024, as announced in November 2023 while some pharmacies will adapt the scheme by March 2024.
More than 10,000 pharmacies who have registered to deliver the service to date.
Along with expansions to the pharmacy blood pressure checking and contraception services, the Pharmacy First advanced service is in place to save up to 10 million general practice team appointments a year.
Know that it is possible to find a pharmacy to help you during this bank holiday.
Visit our page that explains Pharmacy First in more detail by clicking on this link today.
Using NHS App for repeat prescriptions
The NHS App provides a simple and secure way to access a wide range of services on a smartphone or tablet.
To download the App, visit the NHS website.
The NHS App is available on iOS and Android:
Click here to download the iOS version of the NHS App.
Click here to download the Android version of the NHS App.
The services the NHS App offers include:
- ordering repeat prescriptions and nominating a pharmacy to collect them
- book and manage appointments
- view your GP health record to see information like your allergies and medicines
- book and manage COVID-19 vaccinations
- register your organ donation decision
- choose how the NHS uses your data
- view your NHS number (find out what your NHS number is)
- use NHS 111 online to answer questions and get instant advice or medical help near you
To download the App, visit the NHS website.
Choosing the right service during the holiday
If you need to contact any healthcare services over the bank holiday period, you can find more information about Use the Right Service.
The objective of Use the Right Service is to facilitate the accessibility of the appropriate NHS services for individuals.
Within the confines of this online platform, you can find relevant information pertaining to the ideal service for your specific requirements.
Furthermore, people can learn how to secure an appointment or visit the most suitable facility.
Click this link to learn more about the NHS Use the Right Service.
Mental health support
In case of a mental health crisis, adults can call NHS 111 and select the option for mental health at any time.
If you are aged 18 or over, dial 111 and select the option for mental health.
Young people under 18 can call 0800 995 1000.
