AS THE late summer bank holiday approaches, the NHS Integrated Care Board for Berkshire, Oxfordshire, and Buckinghamshire is issuing a reminder to patients to get their prescriptions ordered ahead of the long weekend.
All GP surgeries and some community pharmacies are closed over this weekend (Saturday, August 24 until Monday, August 26), meaning patients may be unable to pick up their prescriptions during this time.
The NHS is therefore encouraging that prescriptions are ordered ahead of the weekend to avoid any problems.
Repeat prescriptions can be ordered through the NHS app, meaning they can be sent to local pharmacies directly from GP practises for collection or delivery.
Many GP practises also offer an online prescription service vie their own websites, though patients without online access can also call the surgery to order.
Many community pharmacies are now able to dispense medication without a prescription for seven common ailments as part of the NHS Pharmacy First service.
These include ear infections, sinus infections, infected insect bites, and even sore throats.
Dr Abid Irfan, director of primary care at the Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board, said: “Help yourself stay well over the August bank holiday by making sure you have enough of your medication to see you through.
“It’s best to order your usual medications well in advance, especially if you’re going on holiday or to stay with family or friends.
“You can also help by checking with more vulnerable family members, friends and neighbours that they have the medications they need.
“If you do run out of your medication, NHS 111 online can offer advice on how to get an emergency supply–but it’s always best to be prepared by ordering ahead.”
Details about opening times for pharmacies over the bank holiday weekend are available to view via: england.nhs.uk/south-east/our-work/pharmacy-opening-hours/
