Nottingham and Nottinghamshire ICB
Residents across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire 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 closed and many pharmacies closed or opening for reduced hours 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.”
Many common illnesses – including colds, coughs, flu, earache, and sore throats – can be safely managed at home with rest, fluids, and over‑the‑counter remedies. If your child is ill, see our children’s health and wellbeing website for advice on what to look out for, when to monitor symptoms at home, and when to seek help.
The NHS App gives you trusted NHS guidance for hundreds of conditions, access to NHS 111 online, and the ability to:
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:
Ensure you allow enough time for your prescription to be approved by a GP and dispensed by your pharmacy.
Some community pharmacies will be open over the August bank holiday. Visit our pharmacy opening hours page for bank holiday opening hours.
Pharmacy First provides expert advice and NHS medicines for seven common conditions and is available at most community pharmacies in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. See the Pharmacy First Nottinghamshire website for details.
GP practices are closed at the weekend and on Bank Holiday Monday. However, if you need urgent medical advice, you can:
For injuries and illnesses that need urgent attention but aren’t life‑threatening – such as sprains, minor fractures, burns, or skin infections – you can visit your nearest Urgent Treatment Centre:
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.
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.
