Hospitals across the North West have issued a plea to people to use 111 online if they run out of their medication over the remainder of the Bank Holiday.

Hospitals, 999 and the 111 call handling service have all seen a significant increase in demand over the past 24 hours, which includes a number of people getting in touch because they have run out of their usual prescription.  The 111 online service www.111.nhs.uk is a quick and easy way to put in an urgent request for repeat medication. 

Andrew Crawshaw is North West regional director for performance and delivery for NHS England: “We’re really grateful for the support from the public over the past week.  It’s important that A&E and other emergency services are kept free for life-threatening emergencies.  We need people to continue accessing self-care advice and using 111 online for advice on everyday illnesses – this helps keep urgent and emergency services free for people who need them.  High street pharmacies can also provide expert advice and a number are open over the Bank Holiday.”