People can order prescriptions in their usual way and the NHS App also enables patients to request repeat prescriptions too.
GP surgeries and some pharmacies will be closed on the Bank Holiday.
You can check pharmacy opening times here. The details are correct at the time of publishing but are subject to change.
Yousaf Ahamad, Frimley ICS Chief Pharmacist and Director of Medicines Optimisation, said: “Taking your regular prescribed medication is an important part of treatment for those with long-term health problems such as asthma and diabetes. People can be seriously ill if they run out of medicines and may need to be admitted to hospital, which can be avoided by ordering your prescription early.
“Community pharmacies are a key member of the NHS family, staffed by pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and their teams, who are qualified and regulated healthcare professionals and who can offer clinical advice and over-the-counter medicines for minor illnesses as well as provide a range of NHS services.
“Although some pharmacies may be closed on the Bank Holiday, they can still be a great place to get clinical advice and treatment for a range of minor illnesses, such as coughs, colds, sore throats, tummy trouble and aches and pains. If symptoms suggest it’s more serious, they will ensure you get the help you need.”
Ahead of the Bank Holiday, it is also worth checking your general medicine cabinet to make sure it is well-stocked with essentials such as paracetamol, cough and cold remedies, hay fever medicines, and plasters and bandages.
Dr Huw Thomas, GP and Primary Care Partner Member from Claremont & Holyport Surgery for NHS Frimley ICB, said: “NHS services are usually busy over Bank Holidays. By re-stocking medicine cabinets, ordering and collecting repeat prescriptions in advance, and knowing where to turn to if healthcare services are needed can ensure people are able to make the most of the Bank Holidays.
“If you are unwell or injured, it’s important to choose the right service to make sure you get the best treatment as quickly as possible.
“If you are unsure of what service to choose, visit NHS 111 online https://111.nhs.uk . It includes a symptom checker and can connect you to a nurse, emergency dentist, pharmacist or book you into the local Minor Injuries Unit in Bracknell or A&E department if your condition is more serious. Using 111 online will help the NHS treat patients in the right setting and helps to keep staff free to deal with serious or life-threatening emergencies.
“If your child is unwell, and you’re not sure where the best place to go for advice is, visit the NHS Frimley Healthier Together website or download the app. Designed by local experts, it provides support to parents and carers to help them manage a range of common childhood illnesses. https://frimley-healthiertogether.nhs.uk/ ”
Visit the Frimley Health and Care website for details of local healthcare services.
Here is what’s open over the Bank Holidays
Worried about the health and wellbeing of a child
If your child is unwell, and you’re not sure where the best place to go for advice is, visit the NHS Frimley Healthier Together website or download the app. Designed by local experts, it provides support to parents and carers to help them manage a range of common childhood illnesses. https://frimley-healthiertogether.nhs.uk/ alternatively you can get advice from NHS 111 on the phone, and online.
Mental health support
If you are feeling worried about your mental health there are number of services available, visit Mental Wellbeing | Frimley Health and Care.
If you are in a mental health crisis, call 111 or text Shout to 85258. Shout is a free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope.
Pharmacy
Although some pharmacies may be closed this weekend, they can still be a great place to get clinical advice and over-the-counter medicines for a range of minor illnesses, such as coughs, colds, sore throats, tummy trouble and aches and pains. If symptoms suggest it’s more serious, they will ensure you get the help you need.
Click here for details of local pharmacy opening times over the Bank Holiday.
Think NHS 111
If you’re unsure where to go think NHS 111. Available on the phone or online, 24/7 they can offer advice or direct you to the right service.
Minor Injuries Unit
The Minor Injuries Unit in Bracknell, is open 8am – 8pm every day, including bank holidays.
Get help with things like burns, bites, and broken bones (x-ray not available Saturdays) and most other minor injuries.
Bracknell Minor Injury Unit, Brants Bridge, London Road, Bracknell, RG12 9RT
You can find details of local minor injury units or urgent care centres here: Find Urgent Care services – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Dental care
If you think you need urgent dental treatment, call your regular dentist. If you cannot reach your dentist or you do not have one, use the NHS 111 online service. If you need an appointment, this will be arranged at an urgent dental care centre.
Attend the Emergency Department or call 999
Only for very serious or life threatening situations. This includes:
- loss of consciousness
- a sudden confused state
- fits that are not stopping
- chest pain
- breathing difficulties
- severe bleeding that cannot be stopped
- severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)
- severe burns or scalds
- stroke
- major trauma such as a road traffic collision
- feelings of self-harm or suicide
If you’re unsure remember to think NHS 111.