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Health advice this Easter

Written by on 10/04/2017

The public are being urged to plan ahead and order any repeat prescriptions early, stock up their medicine cabinet and be aware of local pharmacy opening times this bank holiday weekend.

Health services across Cumbria will be affected by the upcoming Easter bank holidays which fall on Friday 14th April and Monday 17th April; some pharmacies will remain open with altered opening times whilst others will close completely. GP surgeries may also be affected, so it is important that people are prepared and have any medications that they need before Easter.

Alison Brown, Deputy Director of Quality and Nursing at Cumbria Partnership NHS Foundation Trust explains:

“With Easter approaching it is important that everyone considers what they might need whilst our health services reduce their hours for the bank holidays. People should ensure they have enough of their repeat prescription medicines, along with over the counter medicines to treat common ailments at home. Having a well-stocked medicine cabinet can avoid an unnecessary trip to a local health service, and in turn help to ease pressure on NHS services.

“Pressure can increase across all of our local NHS services throughout Easter and we are encouraging people to think carefully about which service level they require for their need; 999 and A&E services are for serious accidents and life threatening emergencies only.”

Pharmacists are trained medical professionals who provide confidential, expert advice along with treatment for many minor health problems. Consultations can take place in a private room and they can advise whether further medical attention is needed.

The public can also call NHS 111 at any time for medical advice if they are unsure and the NHS choices website offers medical advice on a variety of illnesses and conditions.

Medicine cabinet essentials include:

  • painkillers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, including versions for children, to be used for minor aches, pains (e.g. headaches and menstrual pain) and flu symptoms
  • over-the-counter cough, cold, flu and indigestion remedies
  • oral rehydration sachets and anti-diarrhoea tablets for diarrhoea
  • antacid tablets or liquid for indigestion, stomach ache, heartburn, trapped wind
  • plasters, bandages and antiseptic cream

Local pharmacy opening times over Easter can be found here: http://www.northcumbriaccg.nhs.uk/health-services/Pharmacy-Easter-Bank-Holiday-Opening/pharmacy-easter-bank-holiday-opening.aspx


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