Remember to order your repeat prescriptions before the bank holiday

People living in the Rochdale Borough are being asked to ensure they have organised any repeat medication in advance of the forthcoming bank holidays next week.

Taking daily medication is a vitally important part of treatment for those with long-term health problems and people can become seriously ill, quite quickly, if they run out. The best way to avoid this is to ensure that anyone who needs regular medication plans ahead and ensures they have everything they need before the holiday weekend begins.

GP practices will be closed from Thursday 2 June until Monday 6 June.

If you become unwell, pharmacists can offer advice on common ailments such as coughs, colds, aches and pains and skin rashes. You can check local pharmacy opening hours here. You can also call NHS 111 for advice or visit 111.nhs.uk 

Most common ailments can be treated at home by keeping a well-stocked supply of medicines, examples of what to keep are paracetamol and aspirin, and equivalent syrups for children, antihistamines, a thermometer to check for a temperature and travel sickness tablets.

Pharmacies: offer clinical advice and over-the-counter medicines for a range of minor illnesses. The full list of pharmacies in Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale that will be open over the Jubilee Bank Holidays is available on our website. Patients are advised to telephone their usual pharmacy before travelling as opening hours may vary during the holiday period.

NHS 111: visit 111.nhs.uk or call 111 if you have an urgent medical problem. It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to offer help and advice on a whole range of medical problems when your GP surgery is closed. Arranging your repeat prescription before you run out will help to avoid any additional pressure on this vital service, especially over the busy bank holiday weekend.

NHS.uk: is your complete guide to conditions, symptoms and treatments, including what to do and when to get help.

GP Practices: Evening and weekend appointments are available via the seven-day access service by calling the central booking line on 0161 763 8292.

 

 

Dr Chris Duffy, local GP and Chair of NHS HMR CCG said: “During the May bank holiday weekend dozens of people contacted NHS 111 for help after forgetting to order their repeat prescription and over the last year the service took over hundreds calls from patients who had run out of medication over the extended holiday weekends.

“I can’t stress enough how important it is to ensure you have your medication in advance of the bank holidays and that you know where to go if you or a member of your family or a friend needs help. Anyone falling ill during the Jubilee Bank Holidays should consider visiting their local pharmacist, as they will give expert advice on common illnesses and the best medicines to treat them.

“Having a well-stocked supply of medicines can come in handy if you become ill unexpectedly and your pharmacist will be able to help you if you don’t know what to buy.

“By choosing the right service, patients will get the best treatment in the shortest possible time – whilst keeping emergency health services available for emergencies and life- threatening conditions.”