As Easter approaches, people in the North East and Yorkshire are reminded to plan their medicine needs, use the NHS App to order repeat prescriptions and visit NHS111 online first if medical advice is needed.
Dr Faisel Baig, Medical Director for Primary Care, NHS North East and Yorkshire, said:
“The NHS is here for you over the bank holiday. We’re asking people in our region to ensure they’re prepared for any medicine needs, and know how to get support and advice if needed.
“Repeat prescriptions should be ordered in advance to ensure you have enough to last over Good Friday (18 April) and Easter Monday (21 April). You can use the NHS App to order repeat prescriptions, change your nominated pharmacy, and see if your prescriptions have been issued.”
The NHS App links to NHS 111 online which offers help for a wide range of symptoms and medical conditions. Dr Baig explained:
“NHS 111 online can tell you where to get help for your symptoms, the most appropriate local treatment option such as a GP, a pharmacy consultation, a call-back from a nurse, or an urgent walk-in treatment centre.
“People should still call 999 and go to A&E in an emergency – when someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk,” he added.
Health advice and information is also available at the NHS website, including help in finding a local pharmacy, dentist, GP practice or Talking Therapies service.
Dr Sheikh Mateen Ellahi, GP Partner at Elmtree Medical Centre in Stockton-on-Tees, County Durham,encourages his patients to use the NHS App. He said:
“The NHS App continues to be a simple and secure way to access a range of NHS services used by millions of patients. The app makes it easy for patients to carry out activities independently, giving them greater control of their healthcare.
“Many people will need to order their repeat prescriptions ahead of the Easter bank holiday weekend and the NHS App is the easiest and most convenient way to do this. As Easter approaches, and following even more features being made available in the NHS App, there’s never been a better time to download it.
“I’ve had numerous patients tell me how much the NHS App has simplified their interactions with healthcare services. One patient, who previously struggled with booking appointments, now finds it easy to track appointments and request repeat prescriptions all through the app, saving them time and stress.”
NHS App ambassadors champion the app among colleagues and patients, promoting its many benefits and helping users to understand how to use its features. NHS App ambassador Lianne Jerome is Digital and Transformation Lead at Yorkshire Health Partners which works with GP practices across seven Primary Care Networks in East Yorkshire. Lianne said:
“It’s important that we look after ourselves. You can use your NHS App to order your repeat prescriptions well in advance – which is especially important at this time of year, with several bank holidays approaching – and select the pharmacy you wish to collect them from. You can also do this for people you care for.
“The NHS App is also a simple and secure way to receive messages about your care so make sure your notifications for the NHS App are switched on to stay up to date.”
Download the NHS App for free on the app store or on Google Play.
People may also consider having at home a small stock of basic medicines in case needed for minor illness or injury. These may include paracetamol, plasters, indigestion remedy and anti-diarrhoeal medicine. Ask your local pharmacist for advice on what medicines you should keep at home.
This post is based on a press release issued by the NHS
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