Media Release

(from North Yorkshire and York)

Plea to patients during bank holidays

Patients across North Yorkshire and York taking regular medication are being asked to make sure they have enough to see them through the forthcoming bank holidays, including the Queen's Jubilee weekend.

Local GPs are urging patients who have routine or repeat prescriptions to make sure they have enough medication before the bank holiday weekends in May and June when many pharmacies and all GP surgeries in the area will be closed.

Dr David Geddes, GP and Medical Director of NHS North Yorkshire and York, said: "Patients on repeat prescriptions may find it difficult to access their medication if they run out during a bank holiday weekend when GP practices will be closed.

"Our out-of-hours GP service received a lot of calls over the Easter weekend this year from patients who could not get their prescriptions. We are therefore urging patients to make sure they have enough medication to see them through.

"The last thing we want is for patients to suffer unnecessarily, or have an emergency episode because they did not have enough medication."

Whilst GP practices will be closed on bank holidays, a number of pharmacies will be open. Dr Geddes added: "Pharmacists are qualified health professionals who offer a range of advice and treatment. They are often open late or on bank holidays and no appointment is necessary.

"Patients can check our website, call NHS Direct or check local press to find out which ones are open over the bank holiday weekends."

NHS Direct

Call 0845 46 47 for free confidential advice on symptoms and treatment options. Available 24 hours a day all year round. Also available online at www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk

Pharmacies

Pharmacists are qualified health professionals who offer a range of advice and treatment. No appointment is necessary. To find out which pharmacies are open over the bank holidays, contact NHS Direct, check local press or visit

www.northyorkshireandyork.nhs.uk/AdviceInformation/Pharmacy

GP Out of Hours Service

If you need treatment or advice for a serious or persistent health problem, a GP can be contacted out of normal surgery opening times. Call your surgery's main number to be connected through.

For further information contact the North Yorkshire and Humber NHS Communications Service on 01423 859616.