Plan ahead - Don’t leave your medication too late

11/01/2010

As the cold conditions continue, NHS Gloucestershire is advising people to ensure they are collecting prescription medication in plenty of time to avoid running out.

NHS services are coping well in the current weather conditions but the public are being asked to help out by requesting repeat prescriptions and collecting medication early to avoid using out of hours health services.

Jill Crook, Director of Clinical Development at NHS Gloucestershire, said: “If you have a long-term condition or are receiving treatment for an illness, continuing your medication is important to ensure your condition does not become worse.

“Collecting your medication in advance means you do not have to venture out in the cold conditions or put additional pressure on the NHS locally by contacting out of hours health services such as A&E, MIU or the GP Out of Hours Service.”

There are some simple ways that the public can help reduce the pressure on front line services and help themselves when they are feeling ill. A well stocked medicine cupboard is one way.

Self care

• A well-stocked medicine cabinet can help people treat everyday illnesses at home
• A small supply of paracetamol, decongestants and other remedies can help relieve the symptoms of common ailments such as colds and sore throats.
• Many self care remedies can be bought from the local supermarket as well as the pharmacy
• An A-Z self-care guide is available at www.choosewellglos.nhs.uk

Pharmacist

• Pharmacists can provide expert advice on common health complaints, such as coughs, colds, flu, aches, pains, stomach upsets and sprains without an appointment. They can also advice people on whether they need to visit or call other NHS services. 

GP Surgery

• The vast majority of winter health conditions are caused by viruses which will last a short time and can be treated at home with advice available from NHS Direct 0845 46 47 or your local pharmacist
• If you do have a ‘flare up’ of a long standing illness such as lung disease, bronchitis, asthma or diabetes that is not responding to self care or advice from your pharmacist, call your GP surgery.

Out of Hours Service

• If you need urgent treatment or care 'Out of Hours' when your GP surgery is closed (between 6.30pm and 8am weekdays and 24 hours at weekends and public holidays), you can ring 08454 220 220for help and advice
• Staff will either advise you over the phone, refer you to a local 'Out of Hours' centre, arrange a home visit by a Doctor or send an ambulance if they feel it is warranted
• Plan ahead and please don’t use the Out of Hours Service to request repeat prescriptions.

Accident and Emergency

• Hospital Emergency Departments are designed to treat serious accidents and emergencies only. These are life threatening or critical situations involving unconsciousness, severe breathing difficulties, chest pains and injuries causing heavy loss of blood. 

People can also get advice on which NHS services to use, by calling NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 (available 24 hours a day) or logging on to www.choosewellglos.nhs.uk.