People taking medication are being advised to stock up so they don’t run out when GP surgeries close for Easter.
The Be Ready for Easter campaign asks people, particularly parents, carers and the elderly, to look after themselves and their families over the holidays.
With coughs and colds common during Easter and allergies, such as hay fever, making a comeback in the spring weather, NHS Scotland wants people across Tayside and Fife to take a few simple steps to look after their health.
The campaign encourages people to have a well-stocked medicine cabinet, know when their GP surgery is open and plan ahead for repeat prescriptions over the Easter break, the royal wedding weekend and April school holidays.
Though there will be an out-of-hours service available, many surgeries and health centres will shut down for several days over the holiday.
Eunice Muir, executive nurse director at NHS 24, said, “After winter, Easter is the busiest time of year for Scotland’s health services.
“This year we have a combination of school holidays, the Easter holiday weekend and then the royal wedding at the end of April giving a second long weekend. So it’s more important than usual to make sure you have the right remedies at home to care for you and your family’s health this month.
“Many GP surgeries will be closed for two four-day periods over the Easter weekend and the spring holiday weekend, so it makes sense to ensure you know when your surgery is open, and also to keep a note of local pharmacy opening times during this holiday, in case you need them.
“It’s also important to plan ahead if you need repeat prescriptions and intend to be away from home over the Easter break or the public holidays.”
Many surgeries will be closed for four days during the Easter weekend-Friday to Monday, April 22-25 and for another four days due to the royal wedding Friday to Monday, April 29-May 2.
For more information visit www.nhs inform.co.uk or contact NHS inform on 0800 224488.
Photo used under a Creative Commons licence courtesy of Flickr user Charles Williams.