Posted on: 13 December 2022
As the four-day bank holiday approaches over the Christmas period, West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership is reminding people to double check they’ve got enough repeat medication to last through the holidays and to order repeat prescriptions in plenty of time.
Many health and care services including some GP practices and pharmacies will close on Friday, December 23 and will not reopen until Wednesday 28 December. So please do check that you or the person you care for have enough repeat prescription to last through the bank holiday period.
Make it the top of your to-do list this week as allowing enough time is essential for ordering and the collection of supplies.
Dr James Thomas, Medical Director, NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board said: “Stay well this winter 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.
At the current time 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 this winter. 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 and 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.
Together we can choose well this winter. Together we can make a real difference so please:
- Access online services. You can book appointments or order repeat prescriptions through the NHS App. Visit 111.nhs.uk or call 111 if you need urgent medical help 24/7 and can’t access the internet.
- Remember GP practices are here to help and will ensure you get the right care appropriate for your needs.
- Flu and COVID-19 vaccines. If you’re over 50, pregnant or have a long-term medical condition, get your free jabs.
- Take good care this winter there’s lots you can do to stay well and protect yourselves and others around you this winter.
- Visit your local community pharmacy for medical advice and treatments for things like colds, tummy troubles, rashes, and pains. 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)
- A range of urgent care services are available to ensure people can access the right care for their needs. This ensures Accident and Emergency Departments (A&E) are freed up to treat those that need it most including emergencies, those with serious injuries and life-threatening situations like heart attacks.
- 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
- We can all spread the kindness this winter by looking out for each other and our neighbours. Visit: ourneighbours.org.uk