Islanders are being urged to be ready for the upcoming Bank Holiday by planning ahead for repeat prescriptions and using NHS services appropriately.
GP surgeries will be closed on Monday 25th May and many pharmacies operating under reduced opening hours.
Francisco Alverez, Pharmacist at Regent Pharmacy, Shanklin, said:
“It’s important that patients do not go without their medicines over any period when their GP is closed.
“Islanders should make sure they have enough medicines to take them over the Bank Holiday period by checking now to ensure they have sufficient supplies. Check with your GP to find out when they are closed and if you need medicines, get a request to the surgery as early as possible, your pharmacy can help with this in many cases.
“Most Pharmacies require at least 7 days notice for repeat prescriptions, especially if medications need to be ordered, so act early to ensure you do not find yourself without medicines over the Bank Holiday weekend.”
Doctors appointments are not always necessary to treat minor ailments. A Pharmacy First scheme has recently been introduced across the Island that allows the supply of many medicines to treat minor ailments without a prescription.
If you or your children are exempt from prescription charges then you are able to get treatment for a number of conditions FREE of charge, all you need to do is a have a quick, confidential chat with the pharmacist in a private room. Pharmacists are medically trained so if your pharmacist thinks your health problem is something more serious, they will be aware when you need to see a doctor and in some cases arrange a referral.
Many minor illnesses, ailments and injuries can be treated at home. Coughs, colds, sore throats, upset stomachs and aches and pains can be treated with a well-stocked medicine cabinet and plenty of rest. If you are unsure on how to treat an illness or injury your local pharmacy can provide free confidential expert advice and treatment for a variety of common complaints. You can find your nearest pharmacy by visiting the ‘services near you’ section of www.nhs.uk
Francisco Alverez, continued:
“Making sure you have the medicines you need can make a real difference when it comes to keeping well. Taking your medicine as directed by your pharmacist or Doctor is an important part of treatment, particularly for those with long-term health problems such as asthma and diabetes. You are at risk of becoming very unwell and sometimes requiring hospitalisation if you run out of medicine so it’s important to ensure you have a sufficient supply.”
For Pharmacy opening times on Monday 25th May visit www.isleofwightccg.nhs.uk or www.iow.nhs.uk.
