Patients urged not to be caught on hop by Easter bunny
by Amber Valley Info on Thursday 18 April 2019Patients are being urged to be ready for Easter by planning ahead for what medicines they may need so NHS services can be used wisely.
GP surgeries will be closed during the Easter weekend from Friday 19 April to Monday 22 April so patients are being reminded to prepare by ordering any repeat prescriptions and making sure home medicine cabinets have what might be needed, and checking when their GP surgery is open.
Zafran Azam, a leading pharmacist for NHS Derby and Derbyshire Clinical Commissioning Group said: “If you or someone you care takes medicines for ongoing conditions make sure you order and collect repeat prescriptions so you have enough medicine to last over the holiday period.
“For anyone with long-term health problems taking daily medication is an important part of staying well and there’s the risk of suffering serious attacks or needing hospitalisation if supplies run out.
“The Easter holiday period can be a very busy time for the local NHS so I’d urge everyone to do their bit to keep staff free to deal with life-threatening emergencies.”
Pharmacists can help with expert advice on how to look after yourself and advice on the safe supply and use of medicines. They can also help with a wide range of medical issues including; coughs/colds, aches/pains, stomach upsets, bites or stings, conjunctivitis, earache, emergency contraception, diarrhoea, temperature.
People can talk to a pharmacist in confidence and no appointment is needed. They will also be able to tell you if they think your condition requires the help of a doctor, or a minor injury unit.
Zafran said: “Common ailments such as colds, or hay fever, can be effectively treated at home with pain relief, cough mixture and off-the-shelf remedies that can be bought cheaply and easily from your pharmacy or supermarket so make sure you have what you might need.
“If you do become unwell over Easter and need advice or medical treatment quickly you can call NHS 111 which is there for you 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”
Minor injury units can be found at Buxton Hospital, Ilkeston Community Hospital, Ripley Hospital and Whitworth Hospital, Darley Dale. All are open 8am to 8pm.
To find out about pharmacy Easter opening times visit www.derbyandderbyshireccg.nhs.uk/news/news-articles-2019/opening-times-easter-and-may-bank-holiday-2019/
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