Islanders are being asked to get prepared with their prescriptions ahead of the festive rush to ease the pressure on local pharmacies.
Teena Bhogal, Chief Pharmacist, issued the plea amid a warning that local pharmacies were expected to be very busy over the coming weeks.
“Pharmacies and their staff continue to work extremely hard to provide essential
services. This includes not just the supply of our medicines; they are also a valuable
source of health information and advice for our community,” the pharmacist explained.
“We know that some pharmacies choose to open on public holidays ensuring islanders can access their services, but staffing will be reduced on these days and islanders can really help pharmacies to manage their workload by planning ahead.
“Public holidays often increase the pressure on our pharmacies; although their
working hours may be less, the volume of work remains the same or often increases.
Reduced freight services and the closing of pharmaceutical wholesalers in the UK
create considerable logistical challenges for local pharmacies. Maintaining adequate
stocks of medicines over holiday weekends can be difficult.”
ADVICE…
To support local pharmacies, islanders are advised to take the following steps:
- If you can, get repeat prescriptions dispensed ahead of upcoming bank holidays.
- If you have sufficient medication, wait until after the Christmas period to obtain further supplies to will help the reduced number of pharmacies that are open to prioritise urgent and acute prescriptions for people who have become unwell over the weekend.
- Remember that prescriptions can be dispensed up to four business days before the date on the prescription – at the pharmacist’s discretion and if there is enough stock.
- People who are off the island on the date of their next prescription may be able to have this prescription dispensed in advance.