NHS advice to help you prepare for the August Bank Holiday
The NHS is reminding people not to leave it too late to order and collect repeat prescriptions ahead of the August Bank Holiday on Monday 28 August.
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. The pharmacy opening times are published on this page. 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.
“It’s important to know how much medication you have left and plan in advance when you need to order more to avoid a last-minute panic.
“Please remember to order any repeat prescription medication that you need ahead of the bank holiday weekend. Many GP surgeries will need at least 48 hours’ notice to issue a repeat prescription and pharmacies need time to make sure they have the right medicines in stock and safely dispense, so please order as early as possible.
“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.
“If you are visiting family and friends over any of the Bank Holiday weekends, remember to take your medication with you. Please also remind any visitors you are expecting to bring their medication with them.”
Residents are encouraged to plan ahead and carefully consider the best source of help and support over the bank holiday.
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 Monday, 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.
If you or a family member feels unwell, firstly visit the NHS 111 online symptom checker or telephone NHS 111 for help and advice. Both are open 24 hours a day.
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/.
As always, everybody can play a part by taking simple steps to look after themselves, their loved ones and by checking on vulnerable neighbours.
There are steps we can all take to make sure we use the most appropriate service for our needs to support our busy health services. Visit our Choose the Right Service page for details of local services.