Local health and care services remain under pressure and the NHS is urging everyone to carefully consider the best source of help if them or a family member becomes unwell this bank holiday weekend.
This August bank holiday (Monday 28 August 2023) comes right after a period of industrial action so residents are encouraged to plan ahead and carefully consider the best source of help and support over the bank holiday.
Things such as stocking up on medicine cabinet essentials, including paracetamol, sticking plasters, indigestion remedy and anti-diarrhoeal treatments will help people.
By getting your prescriptions early, using the NHS111 service instead of going to A&E, or by going to pharmacies for help with minor health issues, you can make a big difference and help other patients during this challenging time. Doing this ensures we are able to respond to patients who really need them and protect patients from harm.
Your community pharmacist will be happy to offer advice on essential medicines you should keep at home. By doing so, you will be best prepared to deal with minor illnesses and injuries. It's also important to have enough repeat prescription medicine to last over the holidays.
Many GP practices and pharmacies will have limited opening hours over the bank holiday weekend, making it more challenging for patients to access medicines at short notice. It’s important to know how much medication you have left and plan in advance when you need to order more to avoid a last-minute panic. Please remember to order any repeat prescription medication that you need ahead of the bank holiday weekend. Many GP surgeries will need 72 hours’ notice to issue a repeat prescription and pharmacies need time to make sure they have the right medicines in stock and safely dispense, so please order as early as possible.
If you are visiting family and friends over the Bank Holiday weekend, remember to take your medication with you. Please remind any visitors you have to bring their medication with them.
If you need urgent medical help but it isn’t an emergency, please contact NHS111 online www.111.nhs.uk or by phone.
More information on health services in Hertfordshire and west Essex can be found at https://hertsandwestessexics.org.uk/help-us-help