If you take regular medication now is the time to check and make sure you have a supply to see you through the May Bank Holiday – that’s the message from the Isle of Wight NHS Trust this week.
Arranging your repeat prescription in advance and knowing which services are available when GP Practices are closed will take away any unnecessary inconvenience and worry.
GP Practices will be closed on Monday 29th May. Anyone who feels they need to see a GP during this time should call NHS 111.
Fran Alvarez, Practice Pharmacist at Sandown Health Centre, who also works at Regent Pharmacy, Shanklin, said:
“For many minor illnesses and conditions we can get people onto the right course of treatment very quickly. A GP appointment is not always necessary. If we have any concerns, whatsoever, whether it is a child who is unwell or an adult, we will refer them to see a GP. If it is something which requires urgent attention, we will telephone the GP and recommend an emergency appointment.”
Saturday 27th May is a normal working day for pharmacies and they will be open as normal. A number of pharmacies will also be open on Bank Holiday Monday. Anyone with a minor illness is encouraged to go along to a community Pharmacy for advice. A list of pharmacies open will be published on www.iow.nhs.uk.
Dr Michelle Legg, Ryde GP and Chair of the Isle of Wight Clinical Commissioning Group, said:
“None of us want to think about becoming unwell but it is really important to know where to go and who to contact if you need advice over the bank holiday weekend. If it’s something minor then speak to a Pharmacist. They are medically trained to give expert advice and if they think a health problem is something more serious, they will be aware when it is necessary to see a doctor.
Article continues below this advertisement “NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day and they can give you advice and reassurance and help you to get the best care as quickly as possible for your condition. The Urgent Care Service at St. Mary’s Hospital is for urgent health needs. To access this service you will need to call NHS 111 first.”
