Accessing NHS services over the Easter bank holiday

With the Easter bank holiday approaching, NHS Derby and Derbyshire is encouraging everyone to plan ahead, stay safe, and use NHS services wisely to ensure you get the right care in the right place.

The upcoming Easter bank holidays are:

  • Friday 18 April 2025
  • Monday 21 April 2025

The NHS is still available to support you over the bank holiday period—so make sure you know your options for accessing care.

Order your prescriptions in advance

To avoid any disruption to your medication, please remember to order and collect any repeat prescriptions well in advance. GP practices and most pharmacies will be closed on the bank holidays, so it’s important to plan ahead.

  • You can order repeat prescriptions through:
  • The Medicine Order Line* via derbyshiremol.nhs.uk
  • Your GP practice
  • The NHS App
  • Electronic Repeat Dispensing (eRD)

*The Medicine Order Line will be closed on Good Friday (18 March 2025) and Easter Monday (21 April 2025) but will operate normal hours (8am–4pm) on other working days.

Ensure you allow enough time for your prescription to be approved by a GP and dispensed by your pharmacy.

Pharmacy services over the bank holiday

Some community pharmacies will be open over the Easter bank holiday. Visit our pharmacy opening hours page for bank holiday opening hours.

GP services during the bank holiday

GP practices will be closed over the bank holidays. However, if you need urgent medical advice:

  • Use NHS 111 online at nhs.uk or call 111 for assessment and advice.
  • If needed, NHS 111 can book you a time slot at an Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) to ensure you are seen safely. 

Urgent Treatment Centres (UTCs) open 8am–8pm

UTCs are available for urgent but non-life-threatening conditions, such as:

  • Minor fractures and sprains
  • Cuts and burns
  • Minor head injuries
  • Infections requiring urgent treatment

Locations: Derby UTC, Whitworth Hospital, Buxton Hospital, Ilkeston Hospital, Ripley Hospital 

Know where to go for mental health support

If you’re struggling with your mental health over the Easter bank holiday, help is available.

The Derbyshire Mental Health Helpline & Support Service is available 24/7 for anyone in Derbyshire needing urgent mental health support. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or in crisis, trained professionals are ready to listen and help.

Call 0800 028 0077 (freephone, available day and night).

For non-urgent support, visit the Hub of Hope website.

In a Medical Emergency? Call 999

If you or someone else experiences a serious or life-threatening emergency, such as:

  • Chest pain or suspected heart attack
  • Stroke symptoms
  • Severe breathing difficulties
  • Heavy bleeding or major trauma

Call 999.

By planning ahead and using NHS services wisely, you can ensure you and your family stay safe and well over the Easter holidays.