Have you got enough prescribed medication for the Easter holiday?

Anyone who has a repeat prescription or takes regular medication should check they have enough in stock to last the bank holiday weekend and, if not, order more as soon as possible.

Keeping a well-stocked medicine cabinet at home will also mean you will be prepared for any minor illnesses or ailments that may strike over the holiday period, such as colds, headaches, hayfever or diarrhoea. Pharmacists can advise you on common illnesses such as coughs, colds, aches, pains and skin rashes and the best ways to treat them. This can save you time in a GP waiting room and help you to feel better sooner.

A list of local pharmacies that will be open over the Easter bank holiday is available here.

If you do need healthcare urgently over the holiday, there is a range of help available:

• The GP out-of-hours service can be accessed by calling 111, and is open on bank holidays and during holiday periods when surgeries are usually closed.
• The Sheffield NHS Walk-in Centre on Broad Lane, Sheffield S1 3PB, which treats adults and children for minor illnesses and ailments, will be open over the Easter bank holiday from 8am - 10pm. You do not need an appointment and will be seen by an experienced nurse or doctor.
• Sheffield NHS Minor Injuries Unit (for adults over 16 only) is for less serious injuries, such as sprains, cuts and grazes. This is based at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Glossop Road, Sheffield S10 2JF and is open 8am - 8pm every day.

Dr Zak McMurray, GP and Medical Director at NHS Sheffield CCG said: “Please plan to look after yourself and your health and if you are on a repeat prescription, make sure to order it before Easter. If you are worried about your health, your local pharmacy can help you with more than you might think, and save you having to make a GP appointment. Pharmacists are highly trained health professionals who can offer expert, confidential advice and treatment for many minor health problems.

“We hope everyone enjoys the Easter weekend but if you do need healthcare, please think about where to go and keep A&E for serious and life- threatening emergencies only. This will help you to get the help you need as quickly as possible.”