Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust issue reminder about healthcare options ahead of August bank holiday
Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust issue reminder about healthcare options ahead of August bank holiday
The Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is reminding people to ensure they are bank holiday-ready by ensuring they plan ahead and order any repeat prescriptions they may need.
As the August bank holiday approaches, the NHS is advising patients to order repeat prescriptions seven days ahead, to allow enough time for them to be processed and for any potential issues to be addressed before the holidays.
Using the NHS App is the quickest and easiest way to order repeat prescriptions at a time that is convenient, and it puts you in greater control of your own health.
You can also use it to choose which pharmacy you’d like your medication to be sent to, and to track the progress of your order.
If you require medical advice or assistance but it’s not an emergency, you can use the NHS 111 service by visiting 111.nhs.uk or call 111 to speak to a trained healthcare professional who will guide you on the best course of action.
Meanwhile, the local hospital Trust is also aiming to avoid delays in patients being discharged over the bank holiday by asking relatives in the care of vulnerable family members, particularly the elderly, to think early on about what needs to be done in the home to get things ready for their return from hospital.
Cathy Chadwick, Chief Operating Officer at The Countess of Chester Hospital said:
“The support of families and friends are really important in helping us to safely get a patient back home. When patients are in hospital, we encourage them to be as active and as independent as possible as this prepares them for their discharge and improves recovery.
“The patient’s family, friends and carers can help with discharge arrangements in a number of different ways – such as arranging transport, putting the heating on, stocking the home with food and necessary medications, and being available when the patient arrives home.”
Susanne Lynch MBE, NHS Cheshire and Merseyside’s Chief Pharmacist said:
“If you take regular medications, please remember to plan ahead and order any repeat prescriptions you will need in plenty of time before the August bank holiday, when GP practices are closed, and some pharmacies will also be closed or opening with reduced hours.
“Don’t wait for your prescription to run out if you rely on regular medication to manage a condition, as it can take time for your request to be processed by your GP practice and dispensed by your pharmacy. We advise planning around seven days in advance," she added.
People are also being urged to make sure they know how to access urgent care in case they or a loved need help over the bank holiday weekend, and to support the safe and timely discharge of loved ones who are ready to leave hospital.
The NHS is urging people to use NHS Cheshire and Merseyside’s Associate Medical Director for Primary Care, Dr Jonathan Griffiths, is urging people to use NHS 111 for urgent medical help and advice for non-life-threatening conditions.