Local health teams are advising people not to leave it until the last minute to order and collect repeat prescriptions ahead of the upcoming Easter bank holiday.
Patients across South Yorkshire are being reminded by NHS South Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) to order repeat prescriptions in plenty of time for the Easter holiday weekend.
Over the bank holidays, many community pharmacies and all GP surgeries will be closed, so the advice is to plan ahead and order repeat prescriptions as soon as possible before the start of the long weekend on Friday 29 March.
The easiest way to order repeat prescriptions is via the NHS App or through your GP practice website.
Local pharmacists can give expert, confidential advice or medicines for minor ailments such as colds, tummy troubles and much more.
The new Pharmacy First Service is available which enables highly trained pharmacists to be able to assess and treat patients for sinusitis, sore throat, earache, infected insect bite, impetigo, shingles, and uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women (under the age of 65) without the need for a GP appointment or prescription.
A list of some local pharmacies open over the bank holiday weekend can be found on the NHS website.
NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year online at 111.nhs.uk or by calling 111 for any urgent but not life-threatening medical needs. Trained advisers can direct people to the best possible care for their needs, including arranging an out-of-hours GP appointment or an appointment time to attend A&E.
Dr David Crichton, Medical Officer of NHS South Yorkshire said: “We are asking that you help yourself stay well over the bank holiday break by making sure you have enough of your medication to see you through the long weekend. Order your repeat prescription well in advance, especially if you’re planning on going away.”
“If you do run out of your medication, NHS 111 online can offer advice on how to get an emergency supply. But it’s always best to be prepared.”
“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.”
It is also worth checking your general medicine cabinet prior to the Bank holiday to make sure it is well stocked with essentials such as paracetamol, cough and cold remedies, antihistamines and plasters and bandages. These can all be bought cheaply from supermarkets or pharmacies and your local pharmacist can also provide free, confidential, expert advice and treatment for a variety of common complaints.
