Accessing NHS services over the bank holiday (28 August)

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The NHS is here to help you over the upcoming bank holiday on Monday 28 August – so make sure you know your services to get the care you need.

Anybody who needs medical advice or to visit a pharmacy over the bank holiday should plan ahead to allow for reduced GP and pharmacy provision over the long weekend.

GP practices will generally be closed on the bank holiday, so will not be making appointments for in-person or telephone consultations on the day. Anyone who needs non-urgent advice should contact NHS 111 through the online service https://111.nhs.uk.

Prescriptions

Please order any repeat prescriptions you require in time to ensure you have adequate provision over the bank holiday. GP practices usually require 48 hours’ notice to organise a repeat prescription. If you need help collecting your prescription, NHS Volunteer Responders may be able to help.

Community pharmacy services over the bank holiday

Some community pharmacies will be open on Monday 28 August. Please check the NHS England website for pharmacy opening times and other useful information about accessing NHS services over the bank holiday period. Alternatively, you may wish to visit your pharmacy website or call them for more information. Community pharmacy opening hours on the weekends preceding the bank holiday Mondays will be the same as for any normal weekend.

GP hours over the bank holidays

GP practice services will largely be closed on Monday 28 August. If you need medical advice, please contact NHS 111 through the online service https://111.nhs.uk.

NHS 111 will be able to assess you and, if you should need it, book you a time slot at an accident and emergency department to make sure you can be seen safely. NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Medicines Order Line

The Medicine Order Line (MOL) is open Monday to Friday 8am – 4pm, but does not open on Bank Holidays.

The MOL does not offer an emergency service for prescription requests, and we politely ask patients not to contact the MOL for emergencies.

For patients who have access to the internet, they can also use GP practice online ordering systems, the NHS app, or patients can email the MOL and receive a call back within 48hours from one of the operators. Emails are manned throughout the day alongside the live lines.

  • northmolonlinerequests@nhs.net (for patients who would telephone the 01246 number)
  • southmolonlinerequests@nhs.net (for patients who would telephone the 0115 number)

If you are in a life-threatening situation

Please remember that if you have a medical emergency, such as a suspected heart attack, stroke, or other serious life-threatening condition, to call 999.