As the four-day Easter bank holiday approaches, West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership is reminding people to double check they have enough medication to last through the holidays and to order repeat prescriptions in plenty of time.
Although a number of pharmacy and GP services will be available over the bank holiday, many will be closed or have different opening times. So please do check that you or the person you care for have enough medication to last over the long weekend (Friday 7 – Monday 10 April).
Make it the top of your to-do list this week as allowing enough time is essential for ordering and the collection of supplies. This is especially important this year, as planned industrial action by junior doctors from Tuesday 11 to Friday 15 April will also affect GP services, as well as hospitals.
Dr Sohail Abbas, Deputy Medical Director, NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board said: “Stay well this Easter and protect yourself and others by planning ahead. Please don’t forget that due to the bank holiday it may take a little longer to receive your medication if you need a repeat prescription.
“All our health and care services are continuing to see an increase in the number of people needing help. If you find you don’t have enough medicines, it puts additional demand on already stretched services. Checking supplies in advance is one of the ways to help our NHS. If you do need repeat medicines during the bank holiday period, visit 111.nhs.uk and they can look to arrange an emergency supply.”
Many health and care staff will be working over the bank holiday period, but services are likely to be extremely busy. There are steps we can all take to make sure we use the most appropriate service for our needs to support our busy health services. If you do become unwell visit togetherwe-can.com for advice or 111.nhs.uk
Please do choose well. Together we can make a real difference so please:
- Save time by seeking medical advice and booking appointments online via the NHS App or your GP practice website.
- Use 111.nhs.uk if it’s not an emergency and you need health advice quickly. The friendly team at NHS 111 will be able to help you get the care you need.
- You should only call 999 for an ambulance in an emergency, when it is life-threatening or very serious.
- Over the bank holiday some pharmacies might have different opening hours. Search ‘Find a pharmacy NHS’ to find an open pharmacy near you Find a pharmacy - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
- Some GP practices offer extended opening hours during evening and weekends. If you think you need to see your GP team, contact them as you usually would.
- Find self-care tips and local services’ information at togetherwe-can.com. Visit wyhealthiertogether.nhs.uk for trustworthy healthcare advice for parents and carers.
- Don’t wait until you are in mental health crisis. There’s a wide range of support and resources available for everyone, including a 24/7 free phone line. Visit togetherwe-can.com/mental-health
- Please look out for your neighbours who may live alone or be lonely.
It’s very important that people who need medical care come forward, especially when someone has a life-threatening illness or injury. A range of services are available to ensure Accident and Emergency Departments (A&E) are freed up to treat those with life-threatening and critical illnesses or injuries. Care for life-threatening or serious illness/injury will be prioritised.
