Medicines ordering extended for Jubilee bank holiday

The Derbyshire Medicines Order Line has extended the period during which patients can order their prescriptions ahead of the Jubilee Bank Holiday in June.

This year, the country is celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with an extra Bank Holiday on Friday, June 3. This has been paired with the traditional Spring Bank Holiday on Thursday, June 2, which means some NHS services may be closed on both days before the weekend.

For medicines due on June 2 or June 3, patients will be able to order their prescriptions 14 days early instead of the usual seven days. This means prescriptions for those days can be ordered from May 19.

The Medicine Order Line (MOL) does not normally open on Bank Holidays, but will be open 8am-12pm on the bank holiday of  June 2. It is also extending its normal opening times to 5pm from May 30 – June 1. The MOL cannot process emergency prescription requests.

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

Other NHS services over the Bank Holiday

The NHS is here to help you over the Jubilee bank holiday – so make sure you know your services to get the care you need.

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

GP practices will generally be closed on the bank holidays, so will not be making appointments for in-person or telephone consultations on those days. Anyone who needs non-urgent advice should contact NHS 111.

Many pharmacies will also be closed, but some will operate on a rota system to provide cover. A full list of pharmacy opening times is available on the NHS England website.

GP hours over the bank holidays

GP practice services will largely be closed on both June 2 and June 3. If you need medical advice, please use the NHS 111 online service or by calling 111.

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.

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.

Community pharmacy services over the bank holidays

Some community pharmacies will be open on June 2 and June 3. 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.

Prescriptions

Please order any repeat prescriptions you require in time to ensure you have adequate provision over the bank holidays. If you need help collecting your prescription, NHS Volunteer Responders may be able to help.

What to do if you are experiencing side effects following a COVID-19 vaccination

A sore arm is the most common side effect of COVID-19 vaccines, but one in four people have symptoms such as fatigue, fever and headache. These symptoms normally last less than a week. If your symptoms seem to get worse or if you are concerned, contact NHS 111 through either their online service https://111.nhs.uk or by calling 111. For more information on what to expect following your vaccination, you can read the official NHS advice.

If you experience coronavirus symptoms contact the 111 coronavirus service

If you are experiencing coronavirus symptoms, it is important that you do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. NHS 111 has an online coronavirus service that can tell people if they need medical help. Advice on what to do is available at www.111.nhs.uk/covid-19.

Thank you to everyone across Derby and Derbyshire for your support at this time and, as always, please stay safe.