As the upcoming bank holiday on Monday, May 29 approaches, individuals are being called upon to ensure they have an adequate supply of medication and seek health advice through NHS 111 online before visiting healthcare services. The appeal has been made by the Bradford District and Craven Health and Care Partnership, a collaborative effort consisting of local NHS organisations, councils, independent care providers, as well as voluntary and community sectors. The partnership serves a population of approximately 650,000 individuals.
Helen Farmer, the Director for Access to Care at Bradford District and Craven Health and Care Partnership, emphasised the importance of being prepared for medical needs during this busy period. She encouraged residents to prioritise their well-being by utilising services such as NHS 111 online, in addition to receiving the COVID-19 vaccination, maintaining an active lifestyle, and ensuring a well-stocked medicine cabinet at home. The objective of these measures is to reduce unnecessary visits to local Accident and Emergency (A&E) departments.
To ensure a smooth healthcare experience, individuals are reminded to pre-order any necessary repeat prescriptions in advance through their respective GP practices or the NHS App. The NHS App also provides the convenience of changing one’s nominated pharmacy. Additionally, some pharmacies may remain open during the bank holiday, and people are advised to check online for the nearest open pharmacy.
For health advice and information, individuals can access NHS 111 free of charge through either phone or online channels. NHS 111 assists in determining the appropriate course of action for symptoms and facilitates telephone consultations with healthcare professionals when necessary. The NHS website can also be utilised to locate nearby open pharmacies.
It is recommended that individuals maintain a small stock of basic medicines to address minor illnesses or injuries that may arise during the bank holiday. Local pharmacists can provide guidance on the essential medications to keep at home.
Emotional support is available during this period as well. Guide-Line can be contacted between 8 am and 12 am at 08001 884 884, while the Healthy Minds website offers assistance. For urgent mental health crisis support available 24/7, individuals should reach out to First Response at 08009521181.
As the bank holiday approaches, the public is encouraged to take proactive steps to ensure their health and well-being, seek appropriate medical advice, and utilise the available support services. By doing so, individuals can contribute to alleviating the strain on NHS services during this busy period.
