Don’t let illness ruin your Easter - that’s the message from doctors in Kent and Medway as they remind patients to think ahead and use services wisely.
The long bank holiday weekend places extra pressure on NHS services. Please help us help you by choosing the right service for your medical need.
Make sure you order repeat prescriptions in good time so that you don’t run out. You can order repeat prescriptions on the NHS App and nominate a pharmacy, saving you time and putting you in control of your health needs.
Keep a well-stocked medicine cabinet at home with the basic essentials, such as a thermometer, oral rehydration sachets, plasters, pain killers and antihistamines.
Get advice from your pharmacist at the first sign of feeling ill – don’t wait for it to get more serious.
Pharmacists are experts in medicine and can advise on many common issues. They can also recommend and sell medicine for conditions without needing a prescription.
More than nine in 10 pharmacies in Kent and Medway can assess, treat, and when appropriate, provide some prescription medicine for seven common conditions.
Urgent treatment centres and minor injuries units are equipped to diagnose and deal with many of the most common ailments people attend emergency departments for, including sprains, minor burns, and minor illness.
Patients can visit an urgent treatment centre without an appointment if they have an urgent condition that needs to be seen on the same day, such as a suspected broken bone or fracture, a sprain or strain, minor cut, burn or scald.
Appointments can also be booked by contacting NHS 111 by phone or online. By using the 111 service, patients will know they are going to the right place for treatment.
Dr Kate Langford, Chief Medical Officer at NHS Kent and Medway, said: “The NHS is very busy at this time of year and the Easter bank holiday weekend puts extra pressure on health services.
“If you’re planning a trip away this Easter, please make sure you have enough of your usual medications and order any extra prescriptions in advance so you can take them with you.
“Make sure you choose the right NHS service if you are ill or injured.”
Visit StopThinkChoose.co.uk to find information about local services, including emergency pharmacy opening times over the bank holidays and where to find your nearest urgent treatment centre.