Stock up on medication – and sunblock – ahead of the bank holiday weekend

The NHS in Lancashire and South Cumbria is urging people to order their repeat prescriptions early ahead of the August bank holiday.

Many health services, including most GP practices and some pharmacies, will be closed throughout the long weekend – from Saturday 24 August to Monday 26 – with others operating on different opening hours to normal.

Often, this can lead to longer waits in the days leading up to a bank holiday, and pharmacies recommend that you order repeat prescriptions at least five days earlier than you usually would.

Dr Peter Gregory, associate medical director for NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB), which organises healthcare services in the region, said: “We always want to encourage people to order repeat prescriptions early ahead of a bank holiday, even though some pharmacies are closed for just one day extra. It can sometimes take up to five working days for a practice to issue a repeat prescription and for a pharmacy to process and dispense the medication, especially when they are busier than usual.

“We’re urging people to check they have what they need so that they are not left short and worrying about their medication.”

You can order repeat prescriptions online, through the NHS App or through your GP surgery.

A list of which pharmacies will be open on bank holiday Monday can be found here: LSC Integrated Care Board :: Pharmacy (icb.nhs.uk)

Warm weather is currently forecast in Lancashire and South Cumbria for the bank holiday, and the NHS is reminding the public to stay safe and take particular care during the hot spell.

Children, older people and other vulnerable groups can be particularly at risk in higher temperatures, while people with long-term health conditions, such as respiratory and heart conditions, may find that symptoms are exacerbated. 

Stocking up on sunblock (preferably sun factor 50), drinking plenty of fluids, walking in shade and avoiding excess alcohol are just a few tips for coping with hot weather.

For more information on how to cope in hot weather visit: www.nhs.uk/live-well/seasonal-health/heatwave-how-to-cope-in-hot-weather

For any urgent care needs, people are asked to visit 111.nhs.uk or call 111.