NHS gives deadline ending this week ahead of May Day bank holiday amid 'serious consequences' warning

Each bank holiday, the NHS 111 phone service sees huge increases in calls from people who need urgent help because they haven't met the deadline, said the health service

NHS chiefs are urging the public to meet a crucial deadline, which can have 'serious consequences' if missed, ahead of the next May Day bank holiday.

The early May bank holiday is approaching, taking place from Saturday, May 3, to Monday, May 5. The North West's deputy regional chief pharmacist is urging members of the public to check their medication and order any repeat prescriptions that are due, with a deadline ending this week.

Stephen Riley, Deputy North West Regional Chief Pharmacist, has recommended any repeat prescriptions due in the days over the May bank holiday are ordered by Friday, 25 April.

Each bank holiday, the NHS 111 phone service sees huge increases in calls from people who need urgent repeat prescriptions. Across the May Day Bank Holiday in 2024, 21,416 calls were received by the NHS 111 service, which was a 53 per cent increase on the 13,965 111 calls received the weekend before (from April 27 to 29, 2024).

On the same bank holiday weekend, there was a 79 per cent increase in the number of calls for repeat prescriptions, compared to the weekend before.

The NHS is warning that community pharmacies across the north west may have limited opening hours over the May bank holiday, and many will be closed on Monday, May 5, making it more challenging for patients to access medicines at short notice. 'Waiting and using emergency or urgent services over the break puts added pressure on already busy NHS services', added the health service in its warning.

Mr Riley said: “Running out of your usual medication can have serious consequences, especially if you use them to manage a long-term condition such as a heart condition, breathing problems or diabetes. There will be community pharmacies open during the bank holiday weekend who can support you with medicines and healthcare needs.”

“Keeping your medicine cabinet stocked, knowing when your GP practice and community pharmacy is open, and planning for repeat prescriptions that are due will ensure you can make the most of the bank holiday weekend. Please check on your medications and only order what you need".

The region’s lead GP, Dr Paula Cowan, Medical Director for Primary Care for NHS England – North West, said: “If you take regular medications, for a long term condition, and if you are due a repeat prescription in the week leading up to May bank holiday weekend, please remember to always request your repeat via your practice or the NHS app by Friday, 25 April.

“This enables your GP practice and community pharmacy to have your repeat medication ready in time for you. This is particularly important ahead of bank holiday weekends. Please help us to help you and avoid any gaps in your medication."

She added: “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, contact your GP practice as you normally do, to order prescriptions.”

'As well as ordering repeat medications, the NHS App allows people to book and cancel appointments at their GP practice, view their health record and get health advice, searching trusted NHS information and advice on hundreds of conditions and treatments', continued the health service.

Over the May bank holiday, urgent and emergency care services will be open as normal. The public should call 999 or attend accident and emergency services in the event of a life or limb threatening emergency.

For non-emergency health advice, people can contact NHS 111 online at 111.nhs.uk, which offers the same help and advice as the telephone service. If you cannot access 111 online, please call 111.

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

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

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. You can find your nearest pharmacy by going to find your pharmacy.

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

NHS 111 online is not available for children under five. People looking for urgent medical help for under-fives should use the 111 phone line.

Download the NHS App on the App store or on Google Play.