As Christmas and the New Year approach, people in the North East and Yorkshire are reminded to plan ahead for their medicine needs. Use the NHS App to order repeat prescriptions and visit NHS111 online first if medical advice is needed.
Dr Hamish McLure, Regional Medical Director for NHS North East and Yorkshire, said people should order any repeat prescriptions well ahead of the bank holidays to give GP practices and community pharmacies time to prepare their medication.
Dr McLure’s reminder comes after figures published today show flu hospitalisations have surged by more than half in just one week – plunging the NHS into a ‘worst case scenario’ for December.
“The NHS is here for you if you need us over the festive season,” Dr McLure said. “We’re asking people in the North East and Yorkshire to ensure they’re prepared for any medicine needs and know how and where to get support and advice, if needed.
“If you take regular medication and are due a repeat prescription please request it in advance to ensure you have enough to last over the bank holidays on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
“You can use the NHS App to order repeat prescriptions, and change your nominated pharmacy. The App features an ‘Amazon-style’ tracker that allows people to see if their prescription is ready before visiting their pharmacy.”
Download the NHS App free on the App store or on Google Play.
The NHS App also links to NHS 111 online which can tell you where to get help for your symptoms, the most appropriate local treatment option such as a GP, a pharmacy consultation, a call-back from a nurse, or an urgent walk-in treatment centre. NHS 111 online isn’t available for children under five years. People looking for urgent medical help for under-fives should use the 111 phone line.
Dr McLure added: “People should still call 999 and go to A&E in an emergency when someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk.”
When it’s not a life-threatening emergency, NHS Urgent treatment centres (UTCs) diagnose and deal with many of the common problems people go to A&E for. They treat things like strains, sprains and minor cuts.
For community pharmacies open over the festive season visit the NHS Find a pharmacy webpage. Community pharmacies can help people with medicine and health needs, as well as providing advice and treatment for a range of minor conditions:
- sinusitis
- sore throat
- earache
- infected insect bites and stings
- impetigo
- shingles
- uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women.
Health advice and information is also available at the NHS website, including help in finding a local pharmacy, dentist, GP practice or a Talking Therapies service.
People may also consider having at home a small stock of basic medicines in case needed for minor illness or injury. These may include paracetamol, plasters, indigestion remedy and anti-diarrhoeal medicine. Ask your local pharmacist for advice on what medicines you should keep at home.