People in the Black Country are being encouraged to order any repeat prescriptions they may need now – ahead of the August bank holiday (Monday 28 August).

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.

Every bank holiday, NHS 111 sees an increase in people getting in touch about repeat prescriptions. To avoid this and to ensure health is not put at any unnecessary risk, people are being asked to submit any repeat prescriptions that are due for renewal now, ahead of the August bank holiday weekend.

Dr Ananta Dave, Chief Medical Officer for the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board, said: “Bank holiday weekends are always a busier time for the NHS, so picking up a repeat prescription in advance really does helps us, help you.

“Those who depend on daily medication could find themselves becoming very poorly if their supply runs out over a long weekend. It can take up to five working days for repeat prescription orders to be processed, so plan ahead now and make sure you’re not caught short.

“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 any repeat prescriptions you may need.”

If people feel unwell over the bank holiday weekend, but it’s not life threatening, they can check their symptoms and access advice by using NHS 111 online or by calling NHS 111. 

NHS 111 can help direct people to the most appropriate local health service if they aren’t sure where to go – this could include an out of hours GP, a pharmacy, an urgent treatment centre, or a hospital Emergency Department.

A number of local pharmacies will remain open over the bank holiday weekend and should be the first port of call for any minor illnesses. 

To find your nearest pharmacy, including opening times, visit the NHS website.