Tag: repeat prescriptions

Easter weekend: Remember to order repeat prescriptions, says NHS 24

Easter is always a busy time, and with the holidays already underway, NHS 24 is reminding people who take regular medication to check on their repeat prescriptions.

The Easter Weekend impacts on many local GP and pharmacy opening times, so it’s important that people check their prescription, order only what they need and in plenty of time.

Dr Laura Ryan, medical director at NHS 24, says: “Each Easter we receive thousands of calls from people who urgently require medication that they have run out of. It’s a good idea to make yourself aware of your pharmacy and GP opening hours.

“Visit www.nhsinform.scot and search for Scotland’s Service Directory to learn more about service availability in your local area.

“You should also take a look at your list of prescriptions to see which ones you might need to top up on, and make sure you order in plenty time to make sure you have them for the Easter weekend. 111 are always happy to help if you run out of medicine, but Easter is always one of our busiest periods, so a little forward planning can save on time and stress.

‘We’re all crossing our fingers for a sunny Easter, and some simple steps mean you can relax and enjoy the holiday.”

General advice and information on how to stay healthy this Easter can be found at www.nhsinform.scot/spring.

Easter Weekend: Remember your repeat prescriptions, says NHS 24

NHS 24 is reminding people who take regular medication to make sure their repeat prescriptions are ordered in plenty of time for the Easter Weekend.

The reminder is part of the ongoing health campaign ‘Show you care. Prepare’ which encourages people to take care of themselves, their loved ones and the NHS by being prepared for minor ailments.

The Easter Weekend impacts on many local GP and pharmacy opening times,  so it’s important that people check their prescription, order only what they need and in plenty of time.

NHS 24’s Head of Pharmacy, John McAnaw said: “This can be a really busy time of the year but it’s important that we all take time to think about our health, do what we can to stay well and be prepared for illness. That way we’ll also be doing our bit to support the NHS through the busy Easter period.

“Things like paracetamol, ibuprofen and indigestion remedies are useful to have and you can ask your pharmacist for advice about helpful medicines for your household. It’s also a good idea to keep a few child friendly remedies if you have any wee ones.

“We’re all looking forward to spending time in the spring sunshine (should it appear!), so it’s a good idea to think ahead to what you might need to support you and your family’s health.

“Check what you have, and order only what you need and collect it in plenty of time – you should order by Friday the 26th March at the latest to be sure of having your medicines ready before Easter weekend.”

General advice and information on how to stay healthy can be found at www.nhsinform.scot/easter

NHS TV ad star urges Scots to be prepared for winter illnesses

NHS Scotland’s latest advertising campaign is aimed at reminding us all to be prepared for winter ailments.

One of the stars of the ad is Julie-Ann Lindsay, a senior charge nurse with NHS 24, who helps people when they call 111 for urgent or out of hours medical care.

Julie (above), from Leven, said: “After what has probably been the busiest year of my professional life I really wanted to help people by reminding them to take a few small steps to look after themselves and their family this winter. Taking part in the TV ad was a good opportunity to do that.

“Our campaign encourages things like keeping things like paracetamol and ibuprofen at home, making sure you’re up to date with any repeat prescriptions in plenty of time, and even taking a bit of time to get familiar with our health information site NHS Inform, which has a number of self-help guides. Each of these steps means you can hopefully avoid illness becoming a problem over winter.”

The festive period is always busy for NHS 24, and in 2019 they answered over 122,000 calls over the eight day period. This Christmas looks to be even busier, and it comes at the end of what has already been a tough year for Julie and her staff:

“When the COVID cases began to rise the first place I wanted to be was in work, offering support to the general public. It’s been a hard job- hearing from families who have each become unwell, and managing my own family’s health, has been a humbling experience. 

“No one likes becoming unwell over Christmas, and we will always be available if you need to get in touch. However, these small steps can mean you can relax a little- which I think we could all use right now!-and hopefully avoid needing to pick up the phone. It was a freezing cold day for filming our ad, but I think the message is worth it!”

General advice and information on how to stay healthy this winter can be found at www.nhsinform.scot/winter

Make sure repeat prescriptions are top of your Christmas list

NHS 24 is reminding people who take regular medication to make sure their repeat prescription is top of their Christmas list.

The reminder is part of the winter health campaign ‘Show you care. Prepare’ which encourages people to take care of themselves, their loved ones and the NHS by being prepared for winter ailments.

This year will see four day festive and Hogmanay breaks when opening times at GP practices and community pharmacies will be different so it’s important that people check their prescription, order only what they need and in plenty of time.

NHS 24’s Head of Pharmacy, John McAnaw said: “This can be a really busy time of the year but it’s important that we all take time to think about our health, do what we can to stay well and be prepared for winter ailments. That way we’ll also be doing our bit to support the NHS through the busy winter period.

“Things like paracetamol, ibuprofen and indigestion remedies are useful to have at home and you can ask your pharmacist for advice about winter health and medicines. It’s also a good idea to keep child friendly remedies at home if you have any wee ones.

“Winter can always throw up a surprise, especially in terms of weather so don’t leave it to the last minute to order and pick up your repeat prescription.

“Check what you have, and order only what you need and collect it in plenty of time – you should order by Monday 21st December at the latest to be sure of having your medicines ready before Christmas.”

General advice and information on how to stay healthy this winter can be found at www.nhsinform.scot/winter

Scots urged to plan ahead for repeat prescriptions in lead up to four day festive closure

healthwise

With Christmas only a couple of weeks away, a major health campaign is encouraging people across Lothian to plan ahead if they depend on repeat prescriptions.  Continue reading Scots urged to plan ahead for repeat prescriptions in lead up to four day festive closure

Easter Holidays: Remember to check your repeat prescription

NHS 24 is calling on the public to remember to check their repeat prescription in time for the Easter holidays. This year, Easter falls between Friday 14 April and Monday 17 April and while some GP surgeries may be open, others will be closed. Continue reading Easter Holidays: Remember to check your repeat prescription