Be Prepared: Advice for Holidays and Surgery Closures
Whenever a Bank Holiday or public holiday approaches, our opening hours change. To ensure you stay healthy and get the help you need while the surgery is closed, we ask all patients to follow this simple three-step plan.
1. Check Your Medication Early
The most common issue patients face during holiday periods is running out of regular medication.
- Plan Ahead: Please check your medicine supply well in advance of any holiday.
- Order Early: If you are due for a repeat prescription, please submit your request at least 7 days before the holiday starts. This gives the practice time to authorise it and your pharmacy time to dispense it.
- How to Order: The fastest way to order is via the NHS App or your online patient services account.
2. Think “Pharmacy First”
Did you know your local community pharmacy can now do more than ever? Under the Pharmacy First service, pharmacists can offer expert advice and, if appropriate, treat seven common conditions without you needing a GP appointment.
You can go straight to your pharmacist for:
- Sinusitis (aged 12+)
- Sore throat (aged 5+)
- Earache (aged 1-17)
- Infected insect bites (aged 1+)
- Impetigo (aged 1+)
- Shingles (aged 18+)
- Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women (aged 16-64)
Many pharmacies are open late and on weekends. You can find your nearest open pharmacy using the NHS tool below.
3. Know Where to Turn When We Are Closed
If you become unwell when the surgery is closed, please use the following NHS services:
- NHS 111 Online: Visit 111.nhs.uk for help with medical problems that are urgent but not life-threatening.
- Call 111: If you cannot get online, dial 111 (free from landlines and mobiles).
- Call 999: Only in a life-threatening emergency (such as severe bleeding, chest pain, or breathing difficulties).