Prepare for the August Bank Holiday: Key Advice from Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent ICB

With the August Bank Holiday fast approaching, the NHS in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent is urging residents to plan ahead to ensure they have their healthcare essentials ready for Monday, August 26th. Some GP practices and pharmacies will have reduced opening hours during the period.

Get your prescriptions early

It's important to ensure you have enough medication. We recommend checking your supplies and ordering repeat prescriptions in advance. This will help avoid any last-minute issues and ensure you have the correct medication on hand.

Use NHS 111 for Non-Urgent Medical Needs

For non-emergency medical situations, NHS 111 is your go-to resource. NHS 111 can be accessed via 111.nhs.uk, the NHS 111 app, or by calling 111, trained professionals are readily available to guide you on the best course of action.

Dr Paul Edmondson-Jones, Chief Medical Officer of Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent ICB, highlights the importance of these preparations: “The August bank holiday is a wonderful time to spend with loved ones, however, it also brings challenges with pharmacy and GP closures. Avoid long waits by ensuring your medicines are restocked and repeat prescriptions ordered. Keeping you and your family safe and prepared in case there is a shortage or a non-urgent medical emergency.”

Use the NHS App for your convenience

The NHS App makes getting your medication and speaking with healthcare professionals simple. It allows you to request repeat medicines easily and skip unnecessary queues.

Dr Edmondson-Jones adds: “Having enough medication for conditions like diabetes, asthma, and chronic pain is crucial to prevent complications and hospital visits. Please ensure your medication covers the holiday period.”

Pharmacy Access and Emergency Guidance

A holiday pharmacy rota will be in effect, with pharmacists available to provide health advice without appointments. You can find your local pharmacy and check opening hours using the ‘Find a Pharmacy’ service on the NHS website.

And what if it’s hot?

It’s too early to say if we’ll have a late summer heatwave yet, but Dr Edmondson Jones has some advice if things do turn hot.

“The two groups we are most concerned about are the very young and the very old,” he said.

“Most heatwave-related hospital admissions are frail older people with dehydration. There are a range of reasons why older people may drink less than they should, but dehydration can quickly lead to urinary tract infections and kidney damage, both of which can be serious. It’s therefore important that older people have access to water and drink regularly.”

He added: “The very young have delicate skin and are much more susceptible to sunburn. Not only can this be exceptionally painful, but it can store up skin problems in later life. Use very high-factor sunscreen, put them in a hat, and ideally keep them out of the sun during the hottest part of the day.”

Remember, 999 is strictly for life-threatening emergencies, ensuring emergency services remain available for those in dire need.

By preparing ahead, we can all contribute to a safer and healthier bank holiday weekend.