Bank Holiday: Wide range of health services open as Peterborough patients urged to stock up on medication

Patients who rely on regular prescribed medication are being urged to ensure they have enough supply to see them through the upcoming Bank Holiday Weekend (May 1–3).
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The appeal follows latest figures from NHS 111 locally showing that requesting a repeat prescription was the key reason for people contacting the service over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend.

NHS 111 in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough saw 555 patients contact the service to request a repeat prescription across the Easter weekend, the vast majority of which could have been avoided if patients had planned ahead.

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Dr Gary Howsam, local GP and clinical lead at the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “Forgetting to get enough supplies of essential medication can not only put patients’ health at risk but can also end up putting a lot of strain on our NHS services that are already under pressure, especially during a Bank Holiday weekend.

Patients who rely on regular prescribed medication are being urged to ensure they have enough supply to see them through the upcoming Bank Holiday WeekendPatients who rely on regular prescribed medication are being urged to ensure they have enough supply to see them through the upcoming Bank Holiday Weekend
Patients who rely on regular prescribed medication are being urged to ensure they have enough supply to see them through the upcoming Bank Holiday Weekend

“This is something that can easily be avoided by planning ahead. As ordering and collecting new prescriptions can take several days we want to remind patients to think ahead and check if they have enough supply, and if not to order a repeat prescription as soon as possible.”

GP practices will be open as usual this week but will be closed on Bank Holiday Monday. Pharmacies will remain open across the weekend, including some on Bank Holiday Monday. Dr Howsam added: “The NHS is here to help and there will be a wide range of services on offer across the bank holiday weekend. By patients being prepared and using the right service for their illness or injury we can ensure we can provide urgent medical support for those who need it most.”

What is open in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough over May Bank Holiday weekend

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. NHS 111: If you need urgent medical support over the Easter weekend, think 111 First. NHS 111 is available on the phone and online 24/7 at 111.nhs.uk and will help you right away. And if you need urgent care someone will book you in to be seen quickly and safely. This could be with a GP, Urgent Treatment Centre or A&E.

. Emergency medical help: For life-threatening emergencies, call 999 for an ambulance.

. Pharmacies: Can help with a range of things including hangovers, hayfever, colds, emergency contraception and non-prescription medication. Pharmacies will be open across the weekend with some pharmacies also open on Bank Holiday Monday.

. Minor Injury Units (MIU) and Urgent Treatment Centres (UTC): Can help with a range of minor illnesses and injuries such as sprains and strains, broken bones, minor burns and scalds, minor head and eye injuries, bites and stings.

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. Peterborough Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC), City Care Centre, Thorpe Road, PE3 6DB: Open every day from 8am to 8pm (X-ray services 8am–8pm).

. Ely Minor Injury Unit, Princess of Wales Hospital, Lynn Road, CB6 1DN: Open every day from 8.30am to 6pm (X-ray services 9am-5pm).

. Mental health services: If you are feeling worried about your mental health there are number of services available, from online support at www.keep-your-head.com to Lifeline helpline. If you are in a mental health crisis you call 111 and select option 2 for urgent support with trained advisors.