People in Greater Manchester urged to get their repeat prescriptions and know how to get help over the Bank Holiday

Patients are reminded to:

• Get their medication when they need it
• Check they have enough medication regularly
• Book their next medication review with their GP in advance
• Avoid stressful emergency orders

With almost half the population reliant on repeat prescriptions (Pharmacy2U, 2017), the ‘be prepared’ call comes ahead of the Christmas and New Year Bank Holidays when access to services may be reduced.

To make sure that people remain safe as the Christmas holidays get underway, we are encouraging people to be prepared by ensuring they have enough of their repeat prescriptions, prepare for common illnesses with over-the-counter medicines and know their GP surgery and local pharmacy opening times.

More information on services:

Dental help

The Greater Manchester dental helpline (0333 332 3800) is available from 8am to 10pm every day, including weekends and Bank Holidays for those who need help urgently when their practice is closed, or do not have a regular dentist.

GP out-of-hours service

To access care out-of-hours between 6:30pm and 8:00am, call your GP surgery on their usual number. Specific hours and the way to book appointments may vary.

Pharmacy opening times

Over Christmas and New Year Bank Holidays, many local pharmacies will not be open as usual. To find your nearest pharmacy, click here. Or visit our service finder to find the contact details of your nearest pharmacy.

111

Anyone who has an urgent medical need and isn’t sure what to do can contact NHS 111 online or call for free. It’s available around the clock, seven days a week. Around half of those who call 111 speak to a clinician such as a GP, nurse, or pharmacist. The NHS 111 service can provide self-care advice, signpost to an appropriate local service, or book people in to services. 111 online is for people aged 5 and over. Call 111 for free if you need help for a child under 5.

_____________

Article source: Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership