The NHS in north Cumbria are urging people in the county to be prepared ahead of the bank holiday. They are also reminding people of the different options available to get help for your conditions. A&E should only be used in an emergency.
Dr Adrian Clements, Executive Medical Director at North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust, said:
“We ask everyone to make sure they are well prepared for the holidays by remembering to order any prescription medicine well in advance, having a well-stocked medicine cabinet to treat any unexpected minor health concerns at home and by thinking carefully about the right NHS service for them if they do require medical help.
“One of the best things people can do is keep some basic medicines at home such as paracetamol, plasters, indigestion remedy and anti-diarrhoea medicine - you can ask your local pharmacist for advice on any other medicines you might need.
“Bank holidays are always a busy time for your NHS, being organised and prepared with your prescriptions really helps your NHS. If people are unwell then of course we are here to help.”
A&E departments are usually very busy over the bank holiday and we expect this to be amplified due to the effects of this week’s consultant strike so it’s important that everyone knows their NHS options.
Some appointments have been rescheduled due to the industrial action but we have contacted everyone affected by this. Please attend any appointments that you have unless we have contacted you otherwise.
There are different options available to you if you do need medical help. Our Urgent Treatment Centres can treat a range of conditions that many people go to A&E for. You don’t need an appointment and the waiting times are usually much less. Keswick Urgent Treatment centre is open 8.30am until 6pm and Penrith Urgent Treatment Centre is open 8am until 10pm.
GP surgeries are open for some of the bank holiday and if you need help and advice out of hours you should call 111 or go to 111.nhs.uk to get advice. In an emergency don’t delay, call 999 or go to A&E.
People can use the NHS App to order repeat prescriptions, or change their nominated pharmacy. Guidance on how to order a repeat prescription is available on the NHS website. For people with a regular repeat prescription Electronic repeat dispensing (known as eRD) gives the reassurance of knowing their next prescription will be ready at their pharmacy when they need it, and flexibility so they have medication at busy times like bank holidays. Ask your GP practice or community pharmacy about eRD.
NHS 111 online will connect web visitors with medical advice and with the same experts they can expect to reach by phoning 111. It will direct people to the most appropriate medical care such as a GP, a pharmacy consultation, a call-back from a nurse, or an urgent walk-in treatment centre.
Further information:
- NHS 111 online – get help for your symptoms.
- How to order a repeat prescription.
- NHS electronic repeat dispensing (eRD) regional webpage.
- Find a pharmacy.
- NHS advice on what to keep in a first aid kit at home.