With the Spring bank holiday just around the corner, health professionals from NHS Leeds Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) are encouraging residents to plan ahead to stay well.
Anyone who takes regular medication and needs a repeat prescription should order it in advance to make sure they have enough medication to last over the bank holiday.
If you become unwell, your local community pharmacist can offer advice on common ailments such as aches and pains, coughs, colds, skin rashes and uncomplicated cystitis. You can also contact NHS 111 for advice.
Most common ailments can be treated at home. Makes sure you keep a well-stocked medicine cabinet, which should include:
- Paracetamol and aspirin, and equivalent syrups for children
- Re-hydration mixtures for diarrhoea or vomiting
- Mild laxatives to relieve constipation
- Indigestion remedy
- Travel sickness tablets
- A thermometer to check for fever
- Tweezers and sharp scissors to remove splinters or cut bandages
- A range of bandages, plasters (various sizes), non-absorbent cotton wool, elastic bandages and dressings
- Antiseptic to clean cuts before they’re dressed (bandaged) and most can treat a range of conditions including insect stings, ulcers and pimples.
Dr Gordon Sinclair, Clinical Chair at NHS Leeds CCG, said:
“With May bank holiday coming up it is important to be prepared and keep yourself well. If you have a long term condition or take regular medication, make sure you get your prescription in on time so you have enough to cover you over the long weekend.
“If you or your family become unwell, you can speak to your local pharmacist who can provide you with expert advice on common illnesses and the best medicines to treat them.
“Some GP practices will be closed over the bank holiday period; however, if you need an appointment over the bank holiday weekend, please call NHS111 and a fully trained advisor will be able to book you into the Extended Access Hub which will be open on these days.”
For further information on pharmacy and GP practices opening times, please click here.
This post is based on a press release issued by NHS Leeds CCG
