Patients in Sussex urged to order repeat prescriptions ahead of bank holiday

Patients who rely on regular prescribed medication are being reminded to order their repeat prescriptions in advance of the August bank holiday weekend, helping to ensure out-of-hours and emergency services are free to help those in most need.
Bank holiday prescriptions  (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images) SUS-190926-104817001Bank holiday prescriptions  (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images) SUS-190926-104817001
Bank holiday prescriptions (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images) SUS-190926-104817001

Forgetting to stock up supplies of essential medication ahead of the bank holiday closures of GPs and pharmacies can put patients’ health at risk, and end up putting a lot of strain on out-of-hours services.

Repeat prescriptions can now be ordered using the NHS app which enables patients to manage their medication and keep on top of prescriptions, book appointments and get advice on how to manage mild symptom at home.

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Elizabeth Gill, Chief Medical Officer for the Sussex Clinical Commissioning Groups said:

“As frontline NHS services continue to respond to and recover from the pandemic, it is essential that we use healthcare services appropriately, especially during the busiest times.

“If you need to order a repeat prescription, you can do this via the NHS app, through your GP surgery or online pharmacy service www.nhs.uk/health-at-home/.

“If you need to collect a prescription but have coronavirus symptoms, are self-isolating or awaiting a test result, please arrange for a friend, relative or volunteer to collect it for you.”

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Alternatives to A&E for people who need urgent care which is not an emergency this bank holiday include:

NHS 111 - NHS 111 by phone or online at nhs.uk, available 24/7 and offers advice and guidance for patients experiencing non-emergency, urgent healthcare needs. NHS 111 can advise on local NHS services, connect patients to a medical professional, arrange appointments and offer self-care advice. If you’re ever unsure whether you need to go to A&E, call NHS 111 first. If it is an emergency, such as suspected heart attack, severe abdominal pain, choking or loss of consciousness, call 999.

Local pharmacies - A pharmacist can also help, offering treatment advice, recommend remedies and give guidance on giving medicines to children for issues such as colds minor cuts, bites, rashes. No appointment is necessary to see a local pharmacist and most have private consultation areas. Check your local pharmacy bank holiday opening hours online.

NHS Urgent Care alternatives to A&E

Brighton and Hove - Residents and out of town visitors who suffer any minor illnesses and injuries this summer can use the Brighton Station Health Centre. Patients can walk in for treatment or call the service first to arrange a telephone triage with a clinician 0333 321 0946

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East Sussex - The Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) at Lewes is there for you to treat most injuries or illnesses that are urgent but not life threatening and will be operating as usual over the bank holiday weekend from 8am to 8pm, seven days per week.

West Sussex - Crawley Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) is there for you to treat most injuries or illnesses that are urgent but not life threatening will be operating as usual over the bank holiday weekend 24/7.

QVH Minor Injuries Unit in East Grinstead is open 8am-8pm daily run by emergency practitioners who are able to see, diagnose and treat a wide range of minor injuries and ailments for both adults and children over one year old.

The Minor Injuries Unit (MIU) at Bognor War Memorial Hospital is open from 9am-5pm over the bank holiday weekend - The MIUis there for people who have a minor injury this bank holiday.

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