Anyone prescribed regular medication are being urged to check their supply ahead of the August Bank Holiday weekend and make sure they have a sufficient supply to cover the holiday period.
Between Saturday 24th August and Monday 26th August all GP Practices on the Island will be closed. This means that any requests for repeat prescriptions need to be made well in advance. And with the weather set to stay fine Islanders are encouraged to take care in the sun and make sure they are well protected, especially children.
The Beacon Health Centre at St. Mary’s Hospital provides a service over the Bank Holiday however it should not be used for routine and ongoing health problems including the issue of repeat prescriptions. For minor conditions advice should be sought from your local Pharmacy wherever possible or the NHS 111 helpline. Advice and information is also available on the NHS Choices website at www.nhs.uk.
Dr Denman Johnson, Medical Director of the Beacon Health Centre, said:
“Bank Holidays are always a busy time for the Beacon Centre. We provide medical advice and assessment for anyone with an urgent problem that cannot wait until they can get to see their own GP. However, we find that often people have not considered the 3 day weekend and have either run out of their medication, or they are visiting the Island and have not brought their medication with them.
“Patients often decide they need to see a GP over the weekend and are disappointed when they arrive and find a busy clinic and a full waiting room. If it is something that can wait until they can get to see their own GP then it means their GP has access to their full medical history and is better informed to treat them.”
Anyone concerned about a medical condition should contact their GP before the Bank Holiday weekend if is getting worse, will not go away, and especially if it is significantly affecting their daily activities. Common complaints which can be treated at home with advice from the pharmacist include:
- Skin conditions, such as mild acne and mild eczema
- Coughs and colds including nasal congestion and sore throat
– Minor cuts and bruises
– Constipation and haemorrhoids (piles)
– Hay fever and allergies
– Aches, pains, such as headaches, earaches and backaches
– Indigestion, diarrhoea and threadworms
– Period pain and thrush
– Warts and verrucas, mouth ulcer and cold sores
– Athletes foot
– Nappy rash and teething
The 111 service, which is available 24-hours-a-day, 365-days-a-year, should be called if medical help is needed fast, but it’s not a 999 emergency.
