Health bosses are urging people to avoid to avoid running out of essential medication over the coming the August Bank Holiday weekend - Saturday 23rd August to Monday 25th August – by ordering any repeat prescriptions they need now.

NHS App

Using the NHS App is the quickest and easiest way to order repeat prescriptions at a time that is convenient to you, and it puts you in greater control of your own health. You can also use it to choose which pharmacy you’d like your medication to be sent to, and to track the progress of your order.

As well as ordering repeat medications, the NHS App enables you to book and cancel appointments at your GP practice. You can also view your health record and get health advice.

The NHS App on the App Store or on Google Play.

People are also being urged to make sure they know how to get urgent care over the Bank Holiday weekend, and to support the safe and timely discharge of loved ones who are ready to leave hospital.

NHS 111

NHS Cheshire and Merseyside’s Deputy Medical Director, Dr Fiona Lemmens said:  “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.

“The NHS 111 service offers advice and support 24 hours a day, seven days a week online at www.111.nhs.uk or by calling 111.

“You should still call 999 or go straight to A&E in an emergency situation when someone is seriously ill or injured, and you think their life may be at risk.”

111.nhs.uk can help you with:

• where to get help for your symptoms, if you’re not sure what to do
• how to find general health information and advice
• where to get an emergency supply of your prescribed medicine
• how to get a repeat prescription
• getting emergency dental appointments

999

You should still ring 999 if you or someone else experience:

• signs of a heart attack like pain like a heavy weight in the centre of your chest
• signs of stroke such as your face dropping on one side
• difficulty breathing
• heavy bleeding that won’t stop
• seizures
• or sudden and rapid swelling of the eyes, lips, throat, or tongue

Pharmacies

Community pharmacies, which can support your medicines and health, will be open during the Bank Holiday period.

Your local pharmacist can also provide advice and treatment for a wide range of minor conditions. They can also provide treatment were appropriate for the conditions below without the need to see your GP.  

• sinusitis
• sore throat
• earache
• infected insect bites and stings
• impetigo
• shingles
• uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTI) in women

You can use this link to find your nearest pharmacy.

Parents and carers

Parents and carers are also reminded that if a child is unwell, you can visit the Alder Hey online symptom checker for helpful advice on how to treat your child at home, and when to seek further medical help. Go to: www.alderhey.nhs.uk/conditions/symptoms-checker