The NHS in Kirklees is reminding people that now is the time to get prepared, especially with their prescriptions. With the August bank holiday around the corner, NHS services are expected to be busier than ever, with many pharmacies and GP practices to close as usual.
Summer bank holidays can be a busy time for NHS services. By being prepared in advance, you’ll help keep services available for those who need them most.
Bank Holidays and Prescriptions
During the bank holidays, most GP practices and pharmacies will be closed or have different opening times to usual.
Appointments with GPs and other healthcare professionals will still be available for urgent issues. These must be pre-booked by calling your own GP practice or by using NHS 111 online or calling 111. The appointment may not be at your usual GP practice.
It’s important to check your prescription medication and ensure you have enough to last over the bank holiday period. If you need to order more, request your repeat prescriptions, and collect them in plenty of time. You can do this using the NHS App, contactng your GP or find guidance on how to order a repeat prescriptions on the NHS website.
If you urgently need medication when your own GP or pharmacy is closed, there’s information about how you can get medicines out of hours on the NHS website.
Selfcare at home
Make sure that you are prepared for warm weather and that your medicine cabinet is stocked with sun tan lotion, re-hydration solutions, insect repellent and bite creams, plasters and antiseptic cream. If you have young children, consider anything specific they might need too such as a thermometer and a liquid form of paracetamol. You can find more help for poorly children on the West Yorkshire Healthier Together website.
For most people bugs such as colds, flu and COVID-19 will get better on their own with plenty of rest and fluids at home. You can take paracetamol and cold and flu tablets to ease your symptoms and make yourself more comfortable. In some cases, people may experience more serious symptoms and should visit NHS 111 online or call 111 in the first instance for advice.
For some, the bank holiday can be particularly challenging for their mental health, but don’t wait until you’re in a mental health crisis to seek support. You can now be signposted to relevant mental health services via NHS 111 online or by calling 111. Make sure to check in on vulnerable friends, family members and neighbours who may be feeling isolated over the winter period.