Local Health services this August Bank holiday

WITH the Bank Holiday weekend fast approaching, local doctors have issued advice to help you to stay well and make sure you have enough medicines to see you through the long weekend.

If you rely on regular prescription medication, check you have enough to last you over the Bank Holiday. If you need more, be sure to order it as soon as possible, as many GP practices and some pharmacies will be closed on the Bank Holiday Monday (26 August 2019). Details of opening times for local pharmacies can be found on the NHS website.

Anyone seeking medical help or advice over the holiday should in the first instance call the NHS 111 service, which is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Dr Rob Gerlis, Chair of West Essex Clinical Commissioning Group, said:

“GPs and pharmacists from across the area are working together to encourage people to consider the cost and health implications of not taking medicines as they are prescribed, or ordering medicines which are no longer needed.

“Most GP surgeries and pharmacies require at least 48 hours’ notice to prepare a repeat prescription, so I would urge people to check they have enough to get through the holiday.

“I would also suggest people take the opportunity to go through their medicines cupboard at the same time. If they already have more than one month’s supply of any item they need to take regularly, hold off from reordering but do check the ‘use by’ date. Stockpiling out-of-date medicines can be dangerous to other family members, particularly children.”

“If people do need any further advice about medicines over the weekend speak to a pharmacist or call the NHS 111 telephone service, which is free to use and there 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.”

“The NHS 111 advisers and clinicians will also give advice on any other health matters and help people find the best service for their needs, whether it’s an out-of-hours GP appointment, emergency dentist or even a referral to A&E.”