Residents across the Isle of Wight are being urged to plan ahead for the Early May Bank Holiday, with pharmacies set to remain open and able to treat a range of common conditions.
Many pharmacies across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight will be open between Saturday (2nd May) and Monday (4th May), offering advice, medication and treatment.
As previously reported by Island Echo, under the Pharmacy First scheme, pharmacists can now treat conditions including sore throats, earaches, sinusitis, shingles and uncomplicated urinary tract infections.
Opening times will vary, and people are being advised to check with their local pharmacy before attending.
Neil Hardy, Chief Pharmacist at NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight, has said:
“Our pharmacy teams are available to support people over the bank holiday weekend, offering expert advice, medicines, and treatment for a wide range of common conditions.
“Pharmacists are highly skilled healthcare professionals who can help you manage minor illnesses or injuries, and guide you if further care from a nurse, GP or another service is needed.”
“We also recommend that people make sure they have enough repeat medication to cover the bank holiday period.
Article continues below this advertisement “If you do run out of prescribed medication, you can request an emergency supply via 111.nhs.uk, or speak to your local community pharmacy team for advice.”
Residents are also being reminded to ensure they have enough repeat medication ahead of the long weekend.
Urgent Treatment Centres, including those on the Isle of Wight, will remain open for urgent but non-life-threatening conditions, with waiting times often shorter than Emergency Departments. This information is not provided.
Those unsure where to seek help can contact NHS 111 online here, which is available 24 hours a day.
Support is also available for mental health concerns via NHS 111, with trained advisors on hand.
In a medical emergency, people should call 999 or attend the nearest Emergency Department.
