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NHS plea to patients during bank holidays
1 May 2012
Patients across North Yorkshire and York taking regular
medication are being asked to make sure they have enough to see
them through the forthcoming bank holidays, including the Queen’s
Jubilee weekend.
Local GPs are urging patients who have routine or repeat
prescriptions to make sure they have enough medication before the
bank holiday weekends in May and June when many pharmacies and all
GP surgeries in the area will be closed.
Dr David Geddes, GP and Medical Director of NHS North Yorkshire
and York, said: “Patients on repeat prescriptions may find it
difficult to access their medication if they run out during a bank
holiday weekend when GP practices will be closed.
“Our out-of-hours GP service received a lot of calls over the
Easter weekend this year from patients who could not get their
prescriptions. We are therefore urging patients to make sure they
have enough medication to see them through.
“The last thing we want is for patients to suffer unnecessarily,
or have an emergency episode because they did not have enough
medication.”
Whilst GP practices will be closed on bank holidays, a number of
pharmacies will be open. Dr Geddes added: “Pharmacists are
qualified health professionals who offer a range of advice and
treatment. They are often open late or on bank holidays and no
appointment is necessary.
“Patients can check our website, call NHS Direct or check local
press to find out which ones are open over the bank holiday
weekends.”
NHS Direct
Call 0845 46 47 for free confidential advice on symptoms and
treatment options. Available 24 hours a day all year round. Also
available online at www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
Pharmacies
Pharmacists are qualified health professionals who offer a range
of advice and treatment. No appointment is necessary. To find out
which pharmacies are open over the bank holidays, contact NHS
Direct, check local press or visit
www.northyorkshireandyork.nhs.uk/AdviceInformation/Pharmacy
GP Out of Hours Service
If you need treatment or advice for a serious or persistent
health problem, a GP can be contacted out of normal surgery opening
times. Call your surgery’s main number to be connected through.