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 31 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 repeat prescriptions in good time and to use 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 and 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 prescriptions in advance
To avoid disruption to medication, people should order and collect repeat prescriptions well in advance. GP practices and most pharmacies will be closed on the bank holiday, so it is important to plan ahead.
Repeat prescriptions can be ordered through:
- The Medicine Order Line via www.derbyshiremol.nhs.uk
- A GP practice
- The NHS App
- Electronic Repeat Dispensing (eRD)
The Medicine Order Line will be closed on Monday 31 August 2026. People should allow enough time for their prescription to be approved by a GP and dispensed by their pharmacy.
Pharmacy services over the bank holiday
Some community pharmacies will be open over the August bank holiday. Opening times are available on the bank holiday pharmacy opening hours page.
GP services during the bank holiday
GP practices will be closed over the bank holiday. Anyone who needs urgent medical advice should use NHS 111 online or call 111 for an assessment and advice.
If necessary, NHS 111 can book a time slot at an Urgent Treatment Centre to ensure the patient is seen safely.
Urgent Treatment Centres open from 8am–8pm
Urgent Treatment Centres are available over the bank holiday for urgent but non-life-threatening conditions, including:
- Minor fractures and sprains
- Cuts and burns
- Minor head injuries
- Infections requiring urgent treatment
Locations: Derby UTC, Whitworth Hospital, Buxton Hospital, Ilkeston Hospital and Ripley Hospital.
Where to go for mental health support
Anyone needing urgent mental health support should call 111 and select the mental health option, usually option 2. This service connects callers to trained mental health professionals who can offer advice, assess their needs and direct them to appropriate local support services.
Support can also be accessed digitally through NHS 111 online.
In a medical emergency, call 999
Anyone experiencing a serious or life-threatening emergency should call 999. Examples include:
- Chest pain or a suspected heart attack
- Symptoms of a stroke
- Severe breathing difficulties
- Heavy bleeding or major trauma
By planning ahead and using NHS services appropriately, people can help ensure they and their families remain safe and well over the bank holiday.
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