Publish date: 9 December 2025
Rebecca Bond, Chief Pharmacist at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals is advising people to order any repeat prescriptions that are due ahead of the December bank holidays.
It is recommended that any repeat prescriptions due in the days over the bank holiday weekend are ordered by Tuesday, 16 December especially if you have plans to travel.
Each bank holiday the NHS 111 phone service sees huge increases in calls from people who need urgent repeat prescriptions.
Pharmacies may have limited opening hours over the bank holiday, and many will be closed on Christmas and boxing Day and New Year’s Day 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.
Rebecca said: “Keeping your medicine cabinets stocked, knowing when your GP practice is open, and planning for repeat prescriptions that are due will ensure you can make the most of the bank holiday weekend.
“Running out of your usual medication can have serious consequences, especially if you use them to control a heart condition, breathing problems or have a health condition such as diabetes.
“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 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. Download the NHS App on the app store or on google play.
Over the 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.
