Accessing NHS services over the August bank holiday

Residents across Derby and Derbyshire are being encouraged to plan ahead for the August bank holiday and make sure they know how to access NHS services if they need care over the long weekend. 

With GP practices and many pharmacies closed on Monday 31st August, planning ahead can help avoid unnecessary stress and ensure people can get the right support quickly if they become unwell. People are also being reminded to order any repeat prescriptions in good time and to make use of services such as community pharmacies, NHS 111 and Urgent Treatment Centres when appropriate. 

Dr Dave Briggs, Executive Director of Outcomes (Medical) for the Cluster of Derby & Derbyshire, Lincolnshire and Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Integrated Care Boards, said: “We want everyone to enjoy the bank holiday weekend knowing that help is available if they need it. Taking a few minutes to check your prescription, understand your local NHS services and know how to access advice through NHS 111 can make a real difference if you or a loved one becomes unwell. 

“While some services will have different opening hours over the bank holiday, support is still available. NHS 111, Urgent Treatment Centres, some community pharmacies and mental health crisis services will continue to operate throughout the weekend, helping people access the advice, treatment and support they need. If you’re concerned about your health, please don’t wait to seek help.” 

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 www.derbyshiremol.nhs.uk 
    • Your GP practice 
    • The NHS App 
    •  Electronic Repeat Dispensing (eRD)

*The Medicine Order Line will be closed on Monday 31st August 2026. 

  • Your GP practice 
  • The NHS App 
  •  Electronic Repeat Dispensing (eRD) 

*The Medicine Order Line will be closed on Monday 31st August 2026. 

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 August bank holiday. Visit our pharmacy opening hours page for bank holiday opening hours (include link to your website which hosts the pharmacy 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 111.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 over the bank holiday 

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 

To get urgent mental health support, call 111 and select the mental health option (usually option 2). This connects you 24/7 to trained mental health professionals who can offer advice, assess your needs, and direct you to local support services. You can also access support digitally via NHS 111 Online.  

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 bank holiday.