PATIENTS have been asked to check they have enough medication to last the upcoming August Bank Holiday weekend.
NHS services often experience increased pressure on bank holidays, particularly the GP out-of-hours service which receives high numbers of calls from patients requiring urgent repeat medication.
Health chiefs say that by people simply checking and ensuring they have enough supplies to last the three day weekend this strain can be relieved.
Dr Charles Parker, a GP in Topcliffe, near Thirsk, North Yorkshire, said: “GP out-of-hours services are often put under strain with repeat prescriptions during bank holidays. What they really should be dealing with are urgent health problems.
“To ensure you get all you need before the Bank Holiday, we urge patients to check medication stock levels, review the pharmacy timetables and call your GP practice as soon as possible to order some more before the weekend.”
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