“Be prepared, order early and collect on time” is the advice from the NHS in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland (LLR), as people are reminded to make sure they order their repeat prescriptions early, ahead of the August Bank Holiday weekend (August 27-29).
The advice is being issued after people found themselves caught short during recent bank holidays, when many of the calls to NHS111 were from people who had run out of medication.
Dr Nick Glover, GP and Clinical Lead for Urgent Care for the LLR Integrated Care Board, said: “If you take regular prescription medication, please plan ahead and make sure you have enough to last through the Bank Holiday period, when most GP practices and many pharmacies will be closed.
“Bank Holidays are always a busy time for the NHS; last minute orders put a strain on services and you risk not being able to get hold of your medication when you need it. Ordering early will save you time, minimise delays and make sure you can collect your medicine from your nearest pharmacy.”
People can order their medication using the NHS App, or through their GP practice, which will also have an online service.
The NHS App also gives information on accessing urgent help for physical or mental health and enables people to access their health records and make appointments.
For all other urgent health needs over the Bank Holiday, people are advised to contact NHS111 online www.111.nhs.uk or by phoning 111.
Dr Glover added: “If you have an urgent care need please don’t wait all weekend before seeking help. Although GP practices are closed, you can contact NHS 111 at any time, day or night. They will review your symptoms and will refer you to the most appropriate service based on your needs.”
Another source of health advice are community pharmacists, who are qualified health professionals. Bank holiday opening times for pharmacists in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland are available at: https://www.england.nhs.uk/midlands/nhs-england-and-nhs-improvement-midlands-work/bank-holiday-pharmacy-opening-times/.
For mental health support, the Central Access Point (CAP), which is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, can arrange for you to speak to someone who can assess your needs and provide advice or refer you directly to an appropriate service. In Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland you can contact CAP on 0116 295 3060 and 0808 800 3302.
The 999 service should only be used for an urgent, life threatening, medical situation, where emergency assistance is required.
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