We are working to ensure that children on the Isle of Wight are supported to get the best start in life that will lead to good health and wellbeing. This will provide the foundation to ensure they are able to achieve the best opportunities and keep as healthy and well as possible throughout their lives.
We want to ensure that families, individuals and communities are thriving and resilient with access to good jobs, affordable housing, leisure activities, lifelong training, education and learning, health and care services are are able to enjoy the place in which they live.
We want to ensure that people on the Isle of Wight are able to live independently in their own homes with appropriate care support. We want to make sure older residents are supported to play an active role in their communities and supported to maintain and develop their social and community networks.
Please ensure repeat prescriptions are ordered in advance
Island health and care services are urging Islanders to ensure their repeat prescriptions are ordered in advance and know which services are available over the forthcoming May bank holiday weekend.
Dr Michelle Legg, Ryde GP and Chair of the Isle of Wight Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “None of us want to think about becoming unwell but it is really important to know where to go and who to contact if you need advice over the bank holiday weekend. If it’s something minor then speak to a Pharmacist. They are medically trained to give expert advice and if they think a health problem is something more serious, they will be aware when it is necessary to see a doctor. NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day and they can give you advice and reassurance and help you to get the best care as quickly as possible for your condition. The Urgent Care Service at St. Mary’s Hospital is for urgent health needs. To access this service you will need to call NHS 111 first.”
GP Practices will be closed on Sunday 30th April and Monday 1st May (May Day) and will re-open on Tuesday 2ndMay. Anyone who feels they need to see a GP during this time should call NHS 111. Advice is available via a number of websites as well as NHS 111 – www.what0-18.nhs.uk for parents and www.nhs.uk for a wide range of health issues as well as https://patient.info/.
A number of pharmacies will open during the May Bank Holiday weekend. Saturday, 30th April is a normal working day for pharmacies. Anyone with a minor illness is encouraged to go along to a community Pharmacy for advice. Patients are advised to telephone their usual pharmacy before travelling, as opening hours may vary during the holiday period. The pharmacy rota for the Bank Holiday weekend will be published next week.
Fran Alvarez (pictured), Practice Pharmacist at Sandown Health Centre, who also works at Regent Pharmacy, Shanklin, said: “For many minor illnesses and conditions we can get people onto the right course of treatment very quickly. A GP appointment is not always necessary. If we have any concerns, whatsoever, whether it is a child who is unwell or an adult, we will refer them to see a GP. If it is something which requires urgent attention, we will telephone the GP and recommend an emergency appointment.”
Health Information and Advice Services Available over the May Bank Holiday weekend
NHS Choices website (www.nhs.uk) for advice on a range of subjects including less urgent health needs.
What0-18 website (www.what0-18.nhs.uk) advice for parents and carers of young people 0-18yrs.
Patient Information (https://patient.info/) advice for patients.
NHS 111 for clinical advice, assessment and for direction to the most appropriate services for treatment if you need medical help fast but it is not an emergency – available 24/7.
GP practices will be closed on 1st May (May Day Bank Holiday). Call NHS 111.
Emergency Dentist call NHS 111.
Emergency Department and 999 should only be used in a critical or life-threatening situation.
