NHS reminds the public to be prepared for Bank Holiday weekend

 

Whether you’re home or away this Easter Bank Holiday, Frimley Health and Care ICS is reminding residents to ensure medication and repeat prescriptions are ordered and collected early as GP surgeries and most pharmacies will be closed throughout the Bank holiday weekend (7-10 April).

People can order prescriptions in their usual way and the NHS App also enables patients to request repeat prescriptions too. 

Local pharmacies may not be operating their usual hours, so check here for opening times.

A map of the pharmacies that will be open across the South East on the Bank Holidays can be viewed here.

The details are correct at the time of publishing but are subject to change. It’s advised to call ahead to ensure they are open and have the medication you require.

Dr Huw Thomas, GP and Primary Care Partner Member from Claremont & Holyport Surgery for NHS Frimley ICB, said: “It’s important that everyone gets prepared ahead of the Bank Holiday weekend. NHS services are traditionally busy over bank holidays so every little helps, whether you’re staying at home or off exploring somewhere new over the Bank Holiday.

“Taking daily 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.”

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.

These can all be bought cheaply from supermarkets or pharmacies and local pharmacists can also provide free, confidential, expert advice and treatment for a variety of common complaints.

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 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 the 111 will help the NHS treat patients in the right setting over the Bank Holiday period. This will also help keep staff free to deal with serious or life-threatening emergencies. So, if you need urgent medical or dental advice or care, use the NHS 111 online or call 111 to receive quick advice and to be directed to the best route of care for you over the Bank Holiday, wherever you are.

Visit the Frimley Health and Care website for details of local healthcare services.

Here is what’s open over the Bank Holiday

Worried about the health and wellbeing of a child

If your child is unwell this Easter Bank Holiday weekend, 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/ alternatively you can get advice from NHS 111 on the phone, and online.

Mental health support

If you are feeling worried about your mental health there are number of services available, visit Mental Wellbeing | Frimley Health and Care.

If you are in a mental health crisis, call 111 or text Shout to 85258. Shout is a free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope.

Pharmacy

Although some pharmacies may be closed this weekend, they can still be a great place to get clinical advice and over-the-counter medicines 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.

Click here for details of local pharmacy opening times over the Bank Holiday.

Think NHS 111

The Easter Bunny can’t help if you’re not feeling well, but NHS 111 can. Available on the phone or online, 24/7 they can offer advice or direct you to the right service.

Minor Injuries Unit

The Minor Injuries Unit in Bracknell, is open 8am – 8pm every day, including bank holidays.
Get help with things like burns, bites, and broken bones (x-ray not available Saturdays) and most other minor injuries.

Bracknell Minor Injury Unit, Brants Bridge, London Road, Bracknell, RG12 9RT

You can find details of local minor injury units or urgent care centres here: Find Urgent Care services - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Dental care

If you think you need urgent dental treatment, call your regular dentist. If you cannot reach your dentist or you do not have one, use the NHS 111 online service. If you need an appointment, this will be arranged at an urgent dental care centre.

Attend the Emergency Department or call 999

Only for very serious or life threatening situations. This includes:

• loss of consciousness
• a sudden confused state
• fits that are not stopping
• chest pain
• breathing difficulties
• severe bleeding that cannot be stopped
• severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)
• severe burns or scalds
• stroke
• major trauma such as a road traffic collision
• feelings of self-harm or suicide

If you’re unsure remember to think NHS 111.