NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care is reminding people who take regular medication to make sure their repeat prescriptions are ordered in time for the holiday season, with the average turnaround from appointment being at least 72 hours.
The reminder is part of a health campaign called ‘simplify your life, manage your prescriptions’ which encourages people to:
- Get their medication when they need it
- Check they have enough medication regularly
- Book their next medication review with their GP in advance
- Avoid stressful emergency orders
With almost half the population reliant on repeat prescriptions (Pharmacy2U, 2017), the ‘be prepared’ call comes ahead of the August Bank Holiday weekend when access to a GP may be reduced.
To make sure that people remain safe as summer gets underway, NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care is encouraging people to be prepared by ensuring they have enough of their repeat prescriptions, prepare for common illnesses with over-the-counter medicines and know their GP surgery and local pharmacy opening times.
Information can be found here:
- Dental help: The Greater Manchester dental helpline (0333 332 3800) is available from 8am to 10pm every day, including weekends and Bank Holidays for those who need help urgently when their practice is closed, or do not have a regular dentist.
- GP out-of-hours service: To access care out-of-hours between 6:30pm and 8:00am, call your GP surgery on their usual number. Specific hours and the way to book appointments may vary.
- Pharmacy opening times: Bank Holiday opening times
Aneet Kapoor, pharmacist and chair, Greater Manchester Local Pharmacy Network said:
“We hope this campaign, which first launched around the Easter holidays on social media, will remind people the importance of ordering their repeat prescription in advance and make sure they are stocked up with their medicines for the holiday period.
“Most people on repeat prescriptions will need to see their GP at least once a year to check their medication is still right for them; so, if you think you’re due an appointment, make sure you book this well in advance to avoid running out and stressful emergency orders.
“In addition to NHS 111, pharmacists can give confidential and expert advice on everyday illnesses. There are lots of pharmacies open until late as well as at weekends and you don’t need an appointment. Most pharmacies also have a confidential consulting area for anyone who wants to talk in private, so it is always a good idea to think pharmacy first.
One of the best things you can do is to keep some basic medicines at home, so you have them available when unexpected minor illness or injury occurs. Most minor illnesses will start to get better within a couple of days.”
The plea comes as the NHS in Greater Manchester continues to be very busy with high demand for services, high levels of hospital bed occupancy and tackling the elective backlog.
