Particle.news
Download on the App Store
6 ARTICLES
·
4w ago

NHS Issues Bank Holiday Warning Urging Early Prescriptions and 111 Online Use

Officials expect heavy demand from GP closures plus local events, directing patients to pharmacy opening lists on NHS sites as well as NHS 111 online for non-urgent needs.

Image
Image
Image
Image

Overview

  • The North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board is urging people to order repeat prescriptions in advance rather than relying on the emergency service.
  • Regional officials report around 9,000 emergency prescription calls and online requests each month, with demand rising by about 30% on Saturdays.
  • A&E departments will prioritise the most seriously ill or injured, so patients with non-urgent needs are advised to use NHS 111 online, which can provide advice, clinician call-backs and, if required, A&E booking.
  • Last summer’s North West data show the scale of bank holiday pressure, with 17,250 NHS 111 calls over the weekend and 2,357 for repeat prescriptions.
  • Some community pharmacies will open on the bank holiday with hours listed on NHS websites and social channels, and North East health leaders flag busy conditions linked to events in Sunderland, Newcastle and a Newcastle United v Liverpool match.