Make sure your medicine cabinet is well-stocked this Easter weekend.
The long weekend can be one of the busiest times of the year as friends and family catch up and we make the most of the four-day break. With a few simple steps, people can save time and avoid an unnecessary trip to A&E.
Some pharmacies will remain open to help those looking for help to treat minor illnesses, such as diarrhoea, a runny nose, a cough, or a headache. Plan ahead, if you can.
Atika Tailor, from Sturdee Avenue Pharmacy in Gillingham, said: “Pharmacy teams are highly specialised and can help with a range of issues.
“They can provide advice on medication, help with your health condition and give you free face-to-face advice without an appointment.
“Make sure you go to your pharmacy first.”
Dr Navin Kumta, Chair of NHS Kent and Medway Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said: “Pharmacies can provide much more than just a prescription. They can advise on minor ailments and how to use medications effectively and safely.
“Pharmacists are highly trained health professionals, qualified to offer health advice and guidance, particularly on common problems, such as headache, coughs and colds, tummy bugs, verrucas and worms.
“If a pharmacist can’t help you, they will be able to direct you to the right place. Many pharmacies now have consulting rooms where people can discuss their problems with the pharmacist in private.”
Find Easter opening times for pharmacies in Kent and Medway.
All pharmacies provide:
- NHS prescriptions dispensing
- access to repeat prescription service, with agreement from your GP
- an emergency supply of medicine, subject to the decision of the pharmacist; you may need to pay for an emergency supply
- non-prescription medicines, like paracetamol
- disposal of unwanted or out-of-date medicines
- advice on treating minor health concerns and healthy living
For help choosing the right service for your needs during the Easter weekend, including urgent treatment centres and 111, visit Stop Think Choose.