😎 Get ready for the August Bank Holiday
The August Bank Holiday falls on Monday 31st August 2026.
GP practices will be closed from the end of the day on Friday 28th August and will reopen on the morning of Tuesday 1st September.
Many of us will be planning a day out, a short break or making the most of the last weekend before school and work routines return. It is also a good time to do a few quick checks to help keep you and your family well.
A few minutes of planning now can help you avoid problems over the Bank Holiday weekend.
💊 Have you got enough medication for the Bank Holiday?
One of the most important checks is making sure you have enough medication.
The days before a Bank Holiday are always one of our busiest times for repeat prescription requests.
✅ Our biggest tip? Order your repeat prescription early.
Ordering in good time helps you avoid running out of medication. It also gives Practice teams enough time to process requests, and helps reduce pressure on NHS services that provide emergency prescriptions.
It is a small step that makes a big difference for everyone.
⏰ When and how can I order my prescription?
The quickest and easiest way to order a repeat prescription is through the NHS App.
The app shows all of your regular medicines in one place. It also tells you when each item can be ordered again, so you know exactly when to send your request. That makes it much easier to plan ahead.
We normally ask you to allow at least three full working days between requesting your prescription and collecting it. Before a Bank Holiday, it helps if you can order as early as your medication becomes available.
Take a quick look in the NHS App today. If your prescription is ready to order, send your request now.
Ordering through the app only takes a few taps. You can request your medication at any time, choose your usual pharmacy and receive notifications when it is ready to collect.
Here’s how to request a repeat prescription in the NHS App:
- Open the NHS App and make sure you are logged in.
- Tap Prescriptions on the NHS App homepage
- Tap Request a repeat Prescription
- Check or choose your chosen pharmacy. Click Continue
- You can view your medicines and select any you would like to request.
- Tap Continue.
- Check you are happy with the details, and tap Request prescription
- You can see what to do next and view the status of your request.
A quick check now helps us manage the extra demand before the Bank Holiday, and helps make sure you have the medication you need without any last-minute stress.
🗓️ While you’re planning ahead…
There are a few other simple checks that can help you make the most of the last weeks of summer:
Going away?
Our holiday health guide covers key things to think about before you travel, from medication to staying well while you’re away.
Looking for summer activities and support?
Find local activities, family support and health advice to help you enjoy the school holidays.
Hot weather ahead?
Get simple tips on staying safe in the heat and looking out for those who may need extra support.
🏥 Getting Help while we are closed
If you need medical help over the Bank Holiday, the Pharmacy First scheme, NHS 111 and Urgent Treatment Centres are all available.
Here’s what you get help with:
- Earache/ear infections (aged 1-17)
- Impetigo/skin infections (1 year +)
- Infected insect bites (1 year +)
- Shingles (Aged 18+)
- Sinusitis (Aged 12+)
- Sore throats (5 years +)
- Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections, or UTIs (Women aged 16-64)
Over 10,000 pharmacies – 95% of all those in England – have signed up.
Remember, you don’t need an appointment. You can visit any Pharmacy, and they are often open when we are closed, especially over Bank Holidays and weekends.
For more medical help when the practice is closed, you can use NHS 111.
By visiting 111.NHS.uk or by calling 111, you can:
- Get help and advice 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Check your symptoms and get advice on conditions and medication.
- Find self-help resources and links.
- Find out what services are available near you.
- Be connected to a nurse, emergency dentist, pharmacist, or GP.
- Get a face-to-face appointment if you need one.
You should only ever call 999 or go to Accident and Emergency if it is a life-threatening situation.
Please only use Accident & Emergency departments or 999 for life-threatening emergencies.
🙏 Thank you for helping us help you
Bank Holidays are always busy, but a little planning makes a big difference.
Checking your medication, ordering repeat prescriptions in good time and thinking ahead helps you stay well. It also helps our practice teams make sure everyone gets the care they need as quickly as possible.