Patients urged to order repeat prescriptions before bank holiday closures

Patients who rely on regular prescribed medication are being urged to order repeat prescriptions before the August bank holiday weekend, August 29-31.

Most pharmacies and GP surgeries in Brighton will be closed or have reduced hours over the bank holiday, and the NHS is advising patients to order repeat prescriptions

Forgetting to get enough supplies of essential medication ahead of the festive closures of GPs and pharmacies can put patients’ health at risk, and end up putting a lot of strain on out-of-hours services, which are there to deal with urgent health problems.

Other alternatives to A&E for people who need urgent care which is not an emergency this bank holiday include NHS 111 by phone or online, available 24/7 and offers advice and guidance for patients experiencing non-emergency urgent healthcare needs and can advise on local NHS services, connect patients to a medical professional, arrange appointments and offer self-care advice.

The Walk-in Centre located minutes away from Brighton Railway Station is open 8am-8pm every day. Anyone can visit Brighton Station Health Centre for treatment as there is no need to be a registered patient. They offer a walk in service for treatment or call first for a telephone triage with a clinician, 0333 321 0946.

A pharmacist can also help, offering treatment advice and recommend remedies, and give guidance on giving medicines to children. No appointment is necessary to see a local pharmacist and most have private consultation areas.

Residents in Brighton and Hove can also benefit from more evening and weekend GP and nurse appointments, available at practices across the city. Patients can make an appointment between 6.30-8.30pm during the week and from 10am-4pm on a Saturday or Sunday by calling their practice.

Tim Caroe and Elizabeth Gill, Chief Medical Officers for Sussex Clinical Commissioning Groups, said: ‘It’s important to remember that if you need medical help this summer the NHS is here for you.

‘If you need to order a repeat prescription, you can do this via the NHS app, through your GP surgery or pharmacies online services where they have one. This will be quicker for you, and helps free up the phone lines for others.

‘If you need to collect a prescription but have coronavirus symptoms or are self-isolating at home please arrange for a friend, relative or volunteer to collect it for you.’

Patients can contact your GP, order repeat prescriptions and access services to manage wellbeing without leaving home, go to: http://nhs.uk/health-at-home