The NHS in South Yorkshire is encouraging people to be prepared for the bank holiday weekend by ordering any repeat prescriptions in advance.
You can order prescriptions via your GP or pharmacy websites, by calling them, or via the NHS app. If you haven’t got the app you can download it for free on the NHS website: www.nhs.uk.
Dr David Crichton, GP and Chief Medical Officer at NHS South Yorkshire said: “During bank holiday periods GPs see an increase in the number of people requesting regular repeat medication urgently because they have run out. If you do take regular prescribed medication, it is important to ensure you have enough to cover you for the extended period when your GP Practice may be closed. This will ensure that anyone with long-term health conditions, such as asthma, diabetes and heart disease, enjoys the extended break and doesn’t run out of their essential medicines.
“It only takes a few minutes to collect prescriptions or over-the-counter remedies so if you take regular medications or need to stock up your medicine cabinet, please plan ahead so you can enjoy your break.”
In the event that you do run out of prescribed medication, please contact your local pharmacist or NHS 111 who can assist you with an emergency supply.
It is also useful to be aware of which health service is right for you if you do become unwell or injured.
For less urgent health needs you can visit www.nhs.uk or a pharmacy for self-care advice. Please be aware that NHS services such as GP surgeries and pharmacies may be closed or running on a reduced service during a bank holiday. Selected pharmacies will be available for prescriptions, non-urgent medical advice, and treatment of common ailments. A full list of pharmacies open in South Yorkshire over the bank holiday weekend can be found on the NHS South Yorkshire website https://southyorkshire.icb.nhs.uk/your-health/stay-well-bank-holiday. You can also search ‘Find a pharmacy NHS’ here for the latest opening information.
If you need medical help that isn’t an emergency you can also contact NHS 111 by visiting 111.nhs.uk or by calling 111. NHS 111 can help direct you to the most appropriate local health service if you aren’t sure where to go.
Dr David Crichton continued: “Over bank holidays, Accident & Emergency and hospital departments get extremely busy and we continue to see some people attending who don’t know where else to go when usual services are closed. Choosing the right service not only means you receive the treatment you require, but also helps reduce pressure on urgent care teams, allowing them to focus on those who need them most. Visiting your local pharmacy or calling 111 can potentially save you time and prevent an unnecessary journey, as well as making the difference for A&E departments and 999 to treat those with more serious conditions or injuries in a timely manner.”
You can find more information on how to access services over a bank holiday on the NHS South Yorkshire website here https://southyorkshire.icb.nhs.uk/your-health/stay-well-bank-holiday.
Also if you're eligible for the spring COVID-19 vaccine, we recommend you book a COVID-19 vaccination appointment online or in the NHS App now.