Avoid the Wait: How Your Pharmacist Can Help This Bank Holiday

As the August bank holiday approaches, many people are planning a well-earned break. But what if you suddenly feel unwell? With many health services under increased pressure, your local pharmacist could be the quickest and most convenient solution for many minor health concerns.

Pharmacists Ready to Help Over the Bank Holiday

Pharmacists across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly are urging residents to consider visiting their local pharmacy for a wide range of minor health issues during the upcoming bank holiday. Rebecca Emery from Day Lewis Pharmacy highlighted the crucial role pharmacists play in helping to alleviate the strain on other health services.

“Whether it’s sunburn, a bite or sting, or an upset tummy, we’re on hand throughout the bank holiday, as always,” Rebecca said. “We can support you with many minor conditions, including urinary tract infections, rashes, and red or itchy eyes.”

Many people remain unaware of the variety of services available at their local pharmacy. Visiting a pharmacist can often avoid the need for a GP appointment or a trip to a busy hospital emergency department, keeping these critical services available for those who need them most.

Services Provided by Your Local Pharmacy

Local pharmacies can provide expert advice and quick access to medications for numerous minor ailments, such as:

• Aches and pains
• Temperatures and rashes
• Dry or watery eyes
• Teething in infants

In Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, most pharmacies are also part of the Pharmacy First service. This allows them to prescribe antibiotics for certain conditions without the need to see a GP. The conditions covered include:

• Earache (ages 1 to 17)
• Impetigo (skin infection)
• Infected insect bite
• Shingles (age 18 and over)
• Sinusitis (age 12 and over)
• Sore throat (age 5 and over)
• Uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women (age 16 to 64)

Running Low on Medication?

If you’ve forgotten or lost your repeat prescription, pharmacists can issue an emergency supply of most medicines to tide you over until your GP surgery reopens. This can save you from unnecessary worry and waiting times.

What About Your Child’s Health?

When a child is unwell, it can be difficult for parents to decide whether they need expert help or if home care will suffice. The NHS has an app with advice on common childhood illnesses, providing parents with quick and easy access to reliable information. Residents of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly are encouraged to download the app for peace of mind.

When More Serious Help is Needed

For more serious health concerns, NHS 111 is available online or by phone to provide advice. If an in-person visit to a minor injury unit (MIU) or emergency department is necessary, NHS 111 can arrange this directly.

In the event of a medical emergency, such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, or major blood loss, it is critical to call 999 or go straight to the emergency department.

Dental Emergencies

If you need urgent dental treatment over the bank holiday weekend, your first call should be to your usual dentist. If you don’t have a dentist, Cornwall’s emergency dental service, Smile Together, is available at 0333 405 0290 from 8.30am to 4.30pm throughout the bank holiday. For emergencies outside these hours, NHS 111 is the best resource to guide you to the appropriate care.

Finding Your Nearest Pharmacy

The NHS ‘Find a pharmacy’ online tool is a simple way to locate your nearest open pharmacy. You can also check the bank holiday opening hours for your usual pharmacy to ensure it’s available when you need it.

As the bank holiday approaches, make sure your local pharmacist is your first stop for any minor health concerns, helping to reduce the strain on other health services and ensuring they’re available for those who need them most.