NHS reminds the public to be prepared for Bank Holiday weekends

Whether you’re home or away during May, Chancery Lane Surgery, Prescription ordering direct (POD) and the ICB are reminding residents to ensure medication and repeat prescriptions are ordered and collected early as GP surgeries and most pharmacies will be closed throughout the Bank holidays scheduled for May 2023

People can order prescriptions in their usual way via the POD and the NHS App also enables patients to request repeat prescriptions too. 

Ahead of the Bank Holidays, it is also worth checking your general medicine cabinet to make sure it is well-stocked with essentials such as paracetamol, cough and cold remedies, hay fever medicines, and plasters and bandages.

These can all be bought cheaply from supermarkets or pharmacies and local pharmacists can also provide free, confidential, expert advice and treatment for a variety of common complaints.

If you are unwell or injured, it’s important to choose the right service to make sure you get the best treatment as quickly as possible. If you are unsure of what service to choose, visit NHS 111 online https://111.nhs.uk/. It includes a symptom checker and connect you to a nurse, emergency dentist, pharmacist or book you into the local Minor Injuries Unit in Bracknell or A&E department if your condition is more serious.

Using the 111 will help the NHS treat patients in the right setting over the Bank Holiday period. This will also help keep staff free to deal with serious or life-threatening emergencies. So, if you need urgent medical or dental advice or care, use the NHS 111 online or call 111 to receive quick advice and to be directed to the best route of care for you over the Bank Holiday, wherever you are.