Urgent supplies of repeat medication will be available direct from many community pharmacies in Lanarkshire over the four-day Diamond Jubilee holiday weekend.
GP practices in Lanarkshire will be closed for four days from Saturday 2 June to Tuesday 5 June. But patients short of repeat medication can avoid a call to NHS 24 and a trip to the Out of Hours Service by going straight to their local community if they run out.
George Lindsay, Chief Pharmacist - Primary Care, NHS Lanarkshire said: “Many people don’t realise they can go to their community pharmacy direct if they need an urgent supply of their medication.
“It is much faster than obtaining a repeat prescription through NHS 24 and the Out of Hours Service – particularly as these services are likely to be very busy over the Diamond Jubilee four-day holiday weekend.
“All community pharmacies in Lanarkshire have a minor aliments service and your community pharmacist is also a good source of advice on many common complaints like hay fever, sore throats, stomach upsets, head lice and athletes foot.”
In Lanarkshire,
35 community pharmacies are opening on either one or both of the public holidays on 4 and 5 June.
NHS Lanarkshire will be working closely with NHS 24 to ensure that patients receive appropriate care when they need it during the holiday weekend.
Together they are urging people in Lanarkshire to plan ahead for the holiday weekend, as part of NHS 24’s Be Ready for Summer campaign.
NHS 24 Medical Director Professor George Crooks said taking a few simple steps to safeguard your own and your family’s health would ensure people could make the most of the holiday weekend.
He said: “I would urge people in Lanarkshire to be aware of their GP surgery opening times and make sure they order and collect any necessary repeat prescriptions in plenty of time. Local pharmacies are also a good source of advice and information.
“With the prospect of people attending barbecues and Diamond Jubilee street parties over the weekend, I would also advise people to stay safe and healthy while spending time out in the sun. Apply plenty of sunscreen frequently, keep babies covered up in the shade and make sure children stay away from barbecues and hot cooking equipment.
“Be sensible and remember to always wash your hands before and after handling food. Keep food covered and throw away any food that has been sitting outside for more than four hours. Use plastic glasses if you’re outside and always have a first aid box handy in case of any minor incidents. And, above all, enjoy the holiday weekend.”
There is also a wide range of advice and information on summer health issues available at
www.nhsinform.co.uk with sections dedicated to sunburn, heatstroke, allergies and hay fever. Users can also search the common health questions’ section for advice on staying healthy during the summer months.