NHS advice to help you prepare for May Bank Holiday Mondays
The NHS is reminding people not to leave it too late to order and collect repeat prescriptions ahead of the May Day Bank Holiday on the 1 May and the extra bank holiday for the Coronation of King Charles III on the 8 May.
People can order prescriptions in their usual way and the NHS App also enables patients to request repeat prescriptions too.
GP surgeries and some pharmacies will be closed on the Bank Holiday.
You can check pharmacy opening times here. The details are correct at the time of publishing but are subject to change.
Yousaf Ahamad, Frimley ICS Chief Pharmacist and Director of Medicines Optimisation, said: “Taking your regular prescribed medication is an important part of treatment for those with long-term health problems such as asthma and diabetes. People can be seriously ill if they run out of medicines and may need to be admitted to hospital, which can be avoided by ordering your prescription early.
“Community pharmacies are a key member of the NHS family, staffed by pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and their teams, who are qualified and regulated healthcare professionals and who can offer clinical advice and over-the-counter medicines for minor illnesses as well as provide a range of NHS services.
“Although some pharmacies may be closed on the Bank Holiday, they can still be a great place to get clinical advice and treatment for a range of minor illnesses, such as coughs, colds, sore throats, tummy trouble and aches and pains. If symptoms suggest it’s more serious, they will ensure you get the help you need.”
Ahead of the Bank Holiday, it is also worth checking your general medicine cabinet to make sure it is well-stocked with essentials such as paracetamol, cough and cold remedies, hay fever medicines, and plasters and bandages.
Dr Huw Thomas, GP and Primary Care Partner Member from Claremont & Holyport Surgery for NHS Frimley ICB, said: “NHS services are usually busy over Bank Holidays. By re-stocking medicine cabinets, ordering and collecting repeat prescriptions in advance, and knowing where to turn to if healthcare services are needed can ensure people are able to make the most of the Bank Holidays.
“If you are unwell or injured, it’s important to choose the right service to make sure you get the best treatment as quickly as possible.
“If you are unsure of what service to choose, visit NHS 111 online https://111.nhs.uk. It includes a symptom checker and can connect you to a nurse, emergency dentist, pharmacist or book you into the local Minor Injuries Unit in Bracknell or A&E department if your condition is more serious. Using 111 online will help the NHS treat patients in the right setting and helps to keep staff free to deal with serious or life-threatening emergencies.
“If your child is unwell, and you’re not sure where the best place to go for advice is, visit the NHS Frimley Healthier Together website or download the app. Designed by local experts, it provides support to parents and carers to help them manage a range of common childhood illnesses https://frimley-healthiertogether.nhs.uk/”
Visit the Frimley Health and Care website for details of local healthcare services.