A number of pharmacies will stay open across the Isle of Wight over the festive period to continue to offer services and health advice.
The Pharmacy First scheme ensures that pharmacies can offer treatment and medication if needed. Patients can be offered treatment for 7 common conditions directly from their local pharmacy, without the need for a GP appointment or prescription. The 7 conditions are:
- Sinusitis
- Sore throat
- Earache
- Infected insect bites
- Impetigo
- Shingles
- Uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women aged 16-64
People are also being reminded to order their repeat prescriptions as soon as possible if their usual medicines will run out over the Christmas or New Year period – as it can take 4 or 5 working days for their request to be received.
The opening times covering Christmas Day (Wednesday 25th December), Boxing Day (Thursday 26th December), and New Year’s Day (Wednesday 1st January) are as follows:
Dr Lara Alloway, Chief Medical Officer for NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight, has said:
“We would like to remind people who are on repeat medication to ensure that they check that they have enough supplies to get them through Christmas and the New Year, as obviously, despite the cover, a number of pharmacies will be closed. If you have friends and family coming to visit, please ensure they also bring any medication that they need so you avoid spending the holidays driving to an open pharmacy when you could be at home with friends and family.
“As well as being an invaluable High Street resource, pharmacies offer expert advice about over-the-counter medicines to treat common health conditions, as well as information on medication and a range of other services.
Article continues below this advertisement “There are lots of coughs and seasonal illnesses doing the rounds at present and pharmacists offer a fast and convenient service.
“They can also give you advice regarding medications or direct you to the right service if you need further support.”
Pharmacies are only listed if they have notified NHS England that they will be open and the times are also subject to change. Check with the pharmacy before you travel.
Does anyone know why it takes up to 5 days to dispense a prescription in this digital age? My surgery tells me they send prescriptions electronically on the day they are requested which implies the pharmacy is taking days to fill them.
De-populating, what else.
Try getting a Doctors appointment, takes 40-45 minutes
for them to answer the phone.
This Labour Government will not improve the NHS
The No Hope Service is finished, they spend too much
money annually on staff sick pay!