Islanders are being urged to order repeat prescriptions in good time and make use of pharmacies and other NHS services if illness or injury threatens to put a dampener on the final bank holiday weekend of the summer.
The August bank holiday weekend runs from Saturday to Monday, with healthcare services expected to be particularly busy as people make the most of the long weekend.
Community pharmacies will remain open across the Isle of Wight and Hampshire, providing advice and treatment for a range of common conditions.
You can find a full list of the pharmacies open over the bank hoilday here.
People are being advised to check pharmacy opening times before setting off.
Through the Pharmacy First scheme, community pharmacists can provide advice, treatment and, where appropriate, prescription medication for conditions including shingles, sore throats, earaches, sinusitis, infected insect bites, impetigo and uncomplicated urinary tract infections.
Dr Charlotte Hutchings, Local GP and Deputy Chief Medical Officer at NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight, has said:
“The August bank holiday is a great opportunity to make the most of the last long weekend of summer, but an unexpected illness or injury can quickly put plans on hold.
Article continues below this advertisement “For many common conditions, your local pharmacy can be the quickest and simplest place to start. Pharmacists have the expertise to assess your symptoms, offer treatment and, through Pharmacy First, prescribe medication for a number of conditions where appropriate.
“It’s also worth taking a few minutes before the bank holiday to check that you have enough of your regular medication and to find out when your local pharmacy is open. If you’re unsure about the best place to get help, NHS 111 can assess your symptoms and direct you to the most appropriate service.
“Using the right service helps people get the care they need as quickly as possible and allows emergency services to focus on those who are seriously unwell.”
Urgent Treatment Centres will also be available across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight for illnesses and injuries which require prompt attention but are not life-threatening.
Anyone unsure where to turn for medical advice can use NHS 111 online at www.111.nhs.uk, which is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or call 111 if they cannot get online.
Mental health support will also remain available throughout the bank holiday. People can call 111 and select the mental health option to speak with a trained mental health professional.
Those experiencing a mental health crisis can also text ‘HANTS‘ to 85258 for free and confidential support from trained Shout volunteers, 24 hours a day.
Parents and carers can use the Healthier Together app for advice on common childhood illnesses and symptoms.
Islanders are being encouraged to plan ahead, check the opening times of local healthcare services and ensure they have enough regular medication to last throughout the long weekend.
In a life-threatening emergency, people should always call 999 or attend the nearest Emergency Department.
