With the final bank holiday of summer approaching, people across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are being reminded that help is available for common illnesses and minor injuries, and to order their repeat prescriptions in good time.
The August bank holiday weekend runs from Saturday 29 August to Monday 31 August, and with many people making the most of the final long weekend of summer, healthcare services may be particularly busy.
Community pharmacies will be open across Hampshire, including Southampton and Portsmouth, and on the Isle of Wight, offering advice and treatment for a range of common conditions. A full list of pharmacies open over the bank holiday is available. People are advised to check before setting off.
Through Pharmacy First, community pharmacies can provide advice, treatment and, where appropriate, prescription medication for several common conditions. These include shingles, sore throats, earaches, sinusitis, infected insect bites, impetigo and uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Dr Charlotte Hutchings, Local GP and Deputy Chief Medical Officer at NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight, said: "The August bank holiday is a great opportunity to make the most of the last long weekend of summer, but an unexpected illness or injury can quickly put plans on hold.
"For many common conditions, your local pharmacy can be the quickest and simplest place to start. Pharmacists have the expertise to assess your symptoms, offer treatment and, through Pharmacy First, prescribe medication for a number of conditions where appropriate.
"It’s also worth taking a few minutes before the bank holiday to check that you have enough of your regular medication and to find out when your local pharmacy is open. If you’re unsure about the best place to get help, NHS 111 can assess your symptoms and direct you to the most appropriate service.
"Using the right service helps people get the care they need as quickly as possible and allows emergency services to focus on those who are seriously unwell."
Urgent Treatment Centres (UTCs) will also be available across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight for urgent but non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries. UTCs can provide an alternative to Emergency Departments for conditions that need prompt attention but are not life-threatening. Services are available in, Gosport, Lymington, Petersfield, Portsmouth, Southampton and on the Isle of Wight. Meanwhile those living in or close to Andover can visit its walk-in centre.
Anyone unsure about where to go for medical advice can use NHS 111 online at 111.nhs.uk, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, or call 111 if they cannot get online.
Mental health support is available throughout the bank holiday too. People can call 111 and select the mental health option to speak to a trained mental health professional. Anyone experiencing a mental health crisis in Hampshire or the Isle of Wight can also text ‘HANTS’ to 85258 for free, confidential support from trained Shout volunteers, 24 hours a day.
Parents and carers can also use the Healthier Together app for trusted advice on common childhood illnesses and symptoms.
People are advised to plan ahead, check local service opening times and make sure they have enough regular medication to last through the bank holiday weekend.
In a life-threatening emergency, always call 999 or attend the nearest Emergency Department.
