BNSSG Healthier Together

Plan ahead to avoid hopping around for medication this Easter

Health leaders across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire are encouraging people to plan ahead with their medications before the Easter bank holiday, with many GP surgeries and pharmacies closed over the long weekend (7 to 10 April).

People are being urged to check they have enough of their repeat medications, ordering any top-ups for delivery or collection ahead of Good Friday (7 April 2023).

Dr Geeta Iyer, Local GP and Clinical Lead for Primary Care Development at Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire (ICB) said:

“We want people to enjoy their Easter weekends without the additional worry or stress of tracking down repeat medication at the last minute. By checking your supplies today, and ordering any medications you need, you can make sure you have plenty of time to pick them up while still being able to enjoy the long weekend.

“If you have elderly neighbours, relatives or friends, check-in for a catch up to see if they’ve got the supplies they need. Not only will this help with their medication, but it could be hugely beneficial to their mental health.”

Local people are also being encouraged to use the right services for their needs with junior doctor strikes (11 to 15 April) set to follow the traditionally busy Easter weekend.

Dr Geeta Iyer added:

“Easter and all bank holidays are normally a busy time for health and care services, and with strikes planned, we are expecting services to be under increased pressure throughout the following week too.

“Local people can play their part to help reduce pressures on services by only using 999 and A&E for genuine life-threatening emergencies and using NHS 111 online or by phone for other urgent care needs or if you’re unsure about whether you should go to hospital.

“If you have an appointment, please continue to come forward for the care you need. Please don’t call to check if your appointment is going ahead, you’ll be contacted directly if it needs to be rearranged.”

More information about industrial action is available on the NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board website.

Ordering repeat prescriptions can be done online with many GP practices, who can also send prescriptions directly to local pharmacies for collection. Getting prescriptions online can save time and help avoid unnecessary trips to the GP.

A list of pharmacies and their opening times over the Easter weekend can be found on the ICB website.

Urgent care services including the minor injury units in Yate and the urgent treatment centre in South Bristol, are open as usual from 8am to 8pm throughout the holiday period. The minor injury unit in Clevedon will be open from 8am to 8.30pm.

For urgent advice and help in accessing the right service, contact NHS 111 at any time or visit www.nhs.uk to find services near you.