Pharmacy Details Announced For August Bank Holiday Weekend

Dozens of pharmacies across the Isle of Wight will be open during the August bank holiday weekend (Saturday 24 – Monday 26 August).

NHS England has published a list showing which pharmacies will be open

A list of pharmacies on the Isle of Wight can be found here.

You can view a map of the all the pharmacies that will open across south east England by clicking here. 

You are advised to contact the pharmacy before attending to ensure they are open and have the medication you need.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight residents are also encouraged to get their repeat prescriptions in with plenty of time to account for the bank holiday.

Community pharmacies also generally need between 24 and 48 hours from when they receive a repeat prescription to prepare medicines.

Along with minor illness advice and over the counter medicines, many pharmacies in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are now able to treat the following seven conditions: shingles, sore throats, infected insect bites, earaches, sinusitis, impetigo and uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI).

Further information about the Pharmacy First scheme in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight can be found here: Treatment straight from your pharmacy

Urgent Treatment Centres (UTC) will also be open over the bank holiday weekend.

They can help with injuries and illnesses that need urgent medical attention but aren’t life threatening.

Waiting times can be shorter than at Emergency Departments and the team can also refer or direct you to the most appropriate service for you.

More information about our UTCs and where your nearest one is, can be found here: Urgent Treatment Centres in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight

The Healthier Together app is a great source of advice for parents and carers.

The app can help you decide whether you can self-care at home or if you need help, which service is best for the needs of children aged up to 18.

111 online is also a great place to start if you require advice on how best to care for your poorly child and can direct you to the right service.

Your mental health is just as important as your physical health and there are a number of services available for you if you feel that your mental wellbeing is not as good as it could be.

You can call 111 anytime to speak to a mental health advisor, or if you are experiencing a mental health crisis and need support, anyone in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight can text 'HANTS' to 85258 to speak by text with one of Shout's trained volunteers.

Shout is a free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope.

Dr Lara Alloway, Chief Medical Officer for NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight said:

“We expect our local NHS services to be busy over the August bank holiday weekend and would encourage local people to choose the NHS service that best meets their needs.

"If you’re not sure what help you need 111.nhs.uk is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and can direct you to the right service, including access to mental health support.

“Our Urgent Treatment Centres (UTCs) are also open during the bank holiday weekend and they can provide fast, convenient and expert care for anyone with a minor injury or illness that is not life/limb threatening.

“We would also remind people who are on repeat medication to ensure that they check that they have enough supplies to get them through the bank holiday weekend, as obviously, despite the bank holiday cover, a number of pharmacies will be closed.”