22 Aug Remember to order your repeat prescriptions before the bank holiday
The local NHS is reminding people not to leave it too late to order repeat prescriptions ahead of the bank holiday next week.
Last bank holiday – the NHS 111 phone service saw more than a 118 per cent increase in people contacting it about repeat prescriptions – rising from 86 calls during the weekend before the Jubilee Bank Holiday to 188 in the first three days of the Jubilee weekend.
Dr Anna Davey said: “The easiest way to order repeat prescriptions is by using GP online services, via the NHS App or through your GP practice website. If you do not have access to GP online services, you can phone your GP practice to order prescriptions.
By re-stocking medicine cabinets, knowing when your GP practice is open and planning ahead for repeat prescriptions, people can ensure they make the most of the bank holiday weekend. Running out of your usual medication can have serious consequences, especially if you use them to control heart and breathing problems or a health condition such as diabetes.”
If people feel unwell over the bank holiday weekend, they can check their symptoms and get access to advice using 111.nhs.uk online.
111 online can tell you:
where to get help for your symptoms, if you’re not sure what to do
how to find general health information and advice
where to get an emergency supply of your prescribed medicine
how to get a repeat prescription
Residents are also able to call NHS 111, a free service which runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Local community pharmacists can also provide free health advice to support you to self-care and no appointment is necessary. From coughs and colds to aches and pains, they can give expert help on everyday illnesses and answer questions about prescribed and over the counter medicines. Residents can search ‘Find a pharmacy’ online to find an open pharmacy near them.
Patients registered at most practices across mid and south east Essex can now pre-book urgent GP or nurse appointments on the bank holiday weekend. Appointments are available to book at one of the hubs located in Mid Essex, Thurrock, south east Essex and Basildon and Brentwood. People can ask their own GP practice for details on how to book.
Please do not forget that Accident and Emergency at your local hospital should not be used unless it is a critical or life-threatening illness or injury.
