Have you ordered your repeat medications ahead of the bank holiday weekend?

With many GP practices and pharmacies closed over the bank holiday weekend (26-29 August), doctors in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire are reminding people to collect repeat medicines in good time to avoid last-minute panics.

Dr Joanne Medhurst, Chief Medical Officer of Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board, said:

“NHS services have seen many people come forward for emergency prescriptions over previous bank holidays, which we know can lead to worry and stress.

“This worry can be avoided entirely, by planning ahead and taking a few minutes to check you have enough medication to last the weekend. By acting now, there’s still time to order and collect these ahead of the weekend.”

While urgent care services – including emergency pharmacists – are available for more serious problems over the weekend, doctors are also urging people to prepare for very minor injuries and illnesses that could be treated at home with over-the-counter medication from pharmacists.

Dr Medhurst added:

“Many minor problems can be treated with lots of rest and basic medicines like paracetamol, antihistamines and diarrhoea relief. Talk to your pharmacist before the bank holiday about what you need in your home medicine cabinet, they will be happy to help.”

Advice and guidance on treating very minor problems is also available on the NHS website (nhs.uk) and the NHS HANDi App (free for smartphones) offers specialist paediatric advice for parents.

For details of emergency pharmacists open over the weekend, see the NHS find a pharmacy tool.