The Lanarkshire public are being thanked for remembering to access the right care at the right place and for taking steps to ensure that, where they need it, they have an adequate supply of prescription medication ahead of the upcoming Easter weekend.
The reminder comes as NHS Lanarkshire’s primary care out of hours’ team dealt with over 250 requests for repeat prescriptions over Easter weekend last year.
GP practices are closed on Friday 29 March as well Monday 1 April 2024 but many community pharmacies remain open on these days.
Dr Mark Russell, medical director, said: “When your GP surgery is closed and you are too ill to wait, you can access NHS Lanarkshire out of hours’ service by calling NHS 24 on 111.
“Unfortunately, last year during the Easter weekend we received a significant number of routine medication requests as well as calls for minor and non-urgent problems. Many of these patients could have turned to a more appropriate place for help.
“We understand that when someone has an illness or an ailment, they will want help as soon as possible. However, we would like to remind the public that the out of hours’ service is for those who are in urgent need of medical treatment but cannot wait until their GP practice opens.
“With GP practices being closed on Good Friday and Easter Monday, please plan ahead and ensure you order necessary medication in plenty of time and keep your medicine cabinet well-stocked.
“Please help us help you get the right care at the right time to ensure that those who need to use the service for urgent care are prioritised.”
Lauren Gibson, lead pharmacist for community pharmacy services, added: “As we approach and prepare for the Easter holidays, community pharmacies can be a great first port of call for healthcare advice and treatments for many common minor clinical conditions, without the need for a prescription or prior appointment.
“If you have forgotten to order one of your regular medications, pharmacies can offer an urgent supply of medication if appropriate. This can be done from any pharmacy and doesn’t have to be the one you normally attend. You should also ensure you are prepared as best you can for any self-care needs at home.
“We have the Pharmacy First Service, where your pharmacist can support with minor conditions such as coughs and colds, sore throats, upset stomachs, constipation and diarrhoea. Pharmacies can also provide access to emergency hormonal contraception.
“You can also access antibiotics, if appropriate, for urine infections, skin infections and eye infections.
“The pharmacist will assess you and, if appropriate, you will be given treatment. If the pharmacist does not think that medication is appropriate, they can provide self-care advice, or referral advice and signpost you to where you can receive the right care.”
People can also seek information and advice for their ailment either on the NHS Inform website or NHS Lanarkshire’s website where there is a raft of helpful information and self-help advice.
Dr Russell said: “There are a number of options that people can turn to for healthcare with a range of help and advice on NHS Lanarkshire’s website including Meet the Experts which offers a range of services that local healthcare professionals across Lanarkshire can provide.
“The NHS inform website also provides advice on self-care, while your local pharmacy is the first port of call for minor ailments. This can also help free up appointments for those who need them with our out of hours’ service.
“Unless a patient’s condition is life threatening or critical they can seek advice for the appropriate healthcare support by ringing NHS 24 on 111 day or night. They will be able to direct people to the right NHS service, including the out of hours’ service where appropriate.
“We would like to thank the public for their continued support and working with us to support them with the care that is needed at the right time and right place.”
A new online Spring Health Hub has been launched, designed to help Lanarkshire residents to navigate the wealth of healthcare options available and empower them in seeking the right care at the right place.
As residents prepare for the Easter holidays, this centralised web resource offers a wealth of information on all available healthcare services, tailored specifically to the spring season. The hub can be accessed here.
