Posted on: 13 August 2026
With the Summer Bank Holiday on the horizon, the NHS in West Yorkshire is reminding people to plan ahead to make sure they stay well.
The bank holiday falls on Monday 31 August this year – meaning most GP practices and pharmacies will be closed or operating reduced hours over the course of a long weekend until Tuesday 1 September.
You can be prepared by checking your prescription medication now to ensure you will have enough to see you through. If you think you may run out, please order and collect it in good time, but don’t order more than you need.
The NHS App is the quickest and easiest way to order repeat prescriptions. It can also be used to track the progress of a medication order and choose the best pharmacy from which to pick up the prescription.
Dr James Thomas, GP and Medical Director, West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership, said: “The August bank holiday is an exceptionally busy time for health and care services so please don’t wait for your prescription to run out if you rely on regular medication to manage a condition.
“By taking a few simple steps, like checking your medicine cabinet and ordering the repeat prescriptions, you’ll be prepared and help ensure our services are available for those who need them most.”
The NHS will be here for you over the bank holiday, but please use 111 online or call 111 first if it’s not an emergency.
If you feel unwell, it’s also a good idea to make sure your medicine cabinet is well stocked with antiseptic cream, paracetamol, ibuprofen, plasters and re-hydration solutions.
If you have young children, consider anything specific they might need too, such as a thermometer and a liquid form of paracetamol.
Parents and carers of young children can also find health advice on the West Yorkshire Healthier Together website.
Bank holidays can place extra strain on mental health for some people. Seek support early, before a crisis develops. Use NHS 111 online or call 111 to get signposted to mental health services, or visit Mental health - NHS - Together We Can for more information. If you can, check in on vulnerable friends, family members and neighbours who may be feeling isolated.
Remember, if your condition is life or limb threatening, call 999 immediately or visit your local emergency department (A&E).