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Economic Times
05-08-2025
- Health
- Economic Times
UK Summer Bank Holiday in August: NHS offers emergency health advice to cover everything from dental care to mental health for a smooth holiday
Synopsis National Health Service Greater Manchester advises citizens to prepare for the upcoming summer bank holiday. They suggest planning for healthcare needs. This includes prescriptions and minor ailments. Local pharmacies can help with several conditions. Dental and eye care services are available. Mental health support is accessible 24/7. Planning ensures a smooth and healthy holiday for everyone in Greater Manchester. Getty Images UK Summer Bank Holiday in August: NHS offers emergency health advice to cover everything from dental care to mental health for a smooth holiday. As the summer bank holiday is coming up on August 25, 2025, the National Health Service (NHS) Greater Manchester has urged people to plan well ahead to ensure that the holiday fun does not get spoiled. From minor health conditions to mental health crisis support, the NHS has said that people should 'Get To Know Where To Go' if they find themselves in trouble during the summer bank holiday. In case of hot weather, the NHS has urged people to ensure that they take precautions and avoid heat exposure. When you are outside, try to ensure that you stay in the shade, especially between 11 AM and 3 PM; wear sunscreen, a hat, and light clothing; drink plenty of water; and avoid any exercise or activity that raises your body temperature. The NHS has advised people to plan in case they take prescription medication. Every bank holiday, NHS 111 sees a huge spike in calls from people who have run out of prescription medicines because GP (General Practitioner) offices and pharmacies have different hours over the long if you take regular or repeat prescriptions, make sure you have enough medication to last through the holiday and order refills well in advance—being prepared saves you time and helps keep NHS 111 available for those who truly need urgent care. People should contact their local pharmacies for minor health issues and questions. Thanks to the Pharmacy First program, pharmacists can now assess and treat seven additional conditions—like earache, sore throat, and urinary tract infections—without needing a GP visit or your issue isn't covered by Pharmacy First or existing pharmacy services (see How pharmacies can help), you may be advised to see your you need help with contraception, many pharmacies can start oral birth control and also provide refills for those already using it. Many pharmacies offer Emergency Contraception (the 'morning after pill'), sometimes for you have pain in your mouth, teeth, or gums, call the Greater Manchester Dental Helpline at 0333 332 3800. It's available from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day, including weekends and bank holidays, for urgent help when your dental practice is closed or if you don't have a regular dentist. A fee may apply. Eye care Greater Manchester's Urgent Eye Care Service offers quick help if you suddenly experience vision changes, red or painful eyes, or new flashes or floaters. The service is available every day, including evenings and weekends. To find an optician in this service, visit Minor and Urgent Eyecare Services. This isn't a walk-in service, so always call ahead first. Mental health issues In case someone needs mental health crisis support, there are 24/7 helplines available for free that cover Greater Manchester. Just call NHS 111 and press 2 for the mental health Claire Lake, Deputy Chief Medical Officer at NHS Greater Manchester, said, 'We want everyone to enjoy their August bank holiday, which is why we encourage taking the time to plan for common minor health conditions to help you have a memorable bank holiday for all the right reasons,' as quoted by
Time of India
05-08-2025
- Health
- Time of India
UK Summer Bank Holiday in August: NHS offers emergency health advice to cover everything from dental care to mental health for a smooth holiday
National Health Service Greater Manchester advises citizens to prepare for the upcoming summer bank holiday. They suggest planning for healthcare needs. This includes prescriptions and minor ailments. Local pharmacies can help with several conditions. Dental and eye care services are available. Mental health support is accessible 24/7. Planning ensures a smooth and healthy holiday for everyone in Greater Manchester. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Plan your prescriptions ahead Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Go to local pharmacy for minor health conditions Contraception support Call the helpline for Dental problems Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads As the summer bank holiday is coming up on August 25, 2025, the National Health Service (NHS) Greater Manchester has urged people to plan well ahead to ensure that the holiday fun does not get spoiled. From minor health conditions to mental health crisis support, the NHS has said that people should 'Get To Know Where To Go' if they find themselves in trouble during the summer bank case of hot weather, the NHS has urged people to ensure that they take precautions and avoid heat exposure. When you are outside, try to ensure that you stay in the shade, especially between 11 AM and 3 PM; wear sunscreen, a hat, and light clothing; drink plenty of water; and avoid any exercise or activity that raises your body NHS has advised people to plan in case they take prescription medication. Every bank holiday, NHS 111 sees a huge spike in calls from people who have run out of prescription medicines because GP (General Practitioner) offices and pharmacies have different hours over the long if you take regular or repeat prescriptions, make sure you have enough medication to last through the holiday and order refills well in advance—being prepared saves you time and helps keep NHS 111 available for those who truly need urgent should contact their local pharmacies for minor health issues and questions. Thanks to the Pharmacy First program , pharmacists can now assess and treat seven additional conditions—like earache, sore throat, and urinary tract infections—without needing a GP visit or your issue isn't covered by Pharmacy First or existing pharmacy services (see How pharmacies can help), you may be advised to see your you need help with contraception, many pharmacies can start oral birth control and also provide refills for those already using it. Many pharmacies offer Emergency Contraception (the 'morning after pill'), sometimes for you have pain in your mouth, teeth, or gums, call the Greater Manchester Dental Helpline at 0333 332 3800. It's available from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day, including weekends and bank holidays, for urgent help when your dental practice is closed or if you don't have a regular dentist. A fee may Manchester's Urgent Eye Care Service offers quick help if you suddenly experience vision changes, red or painful eyes, or new flashes or floaters. The service is available every day, including evenings and weekends. To find an optician in this service, visit Minor and Urgent Eyecare Services. This isn't a walk-in service, so always call ahead case someone needs mental health crisis support, there are 24/7 helplines available for free that cover Greater Manchester. Just call NHS 111 and press 2 for the mental health Claire Lake, Deputy Chief Medical Officer at NHS Greater Manchester, said, 'We want everyone to enjoy their August bank holiday, which is why we encourage taking the time to plan for common minor health conditions to help you have a memorable bank holiday for all the right reasons,' as quoted by
BBC News
30-07-2025
- Health
- BBC News
'It's horrible telling customers their medicine isn't available'
"It's horrible having to tell customers that their life-changing medicine isn't available any more."Harvinder Singh, a manager at Glasshouse Chemist in Nottingham, said it started experiencing stock shortages three years ago, and said this had fuelled customers' anger over said morale was low among staff, and added: "I understand it, I truly feel for our customers because they just want to improve their health and I can't help them."A survey published this month by the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Pharmacy, a cross-party organisation, found medicine shortages were a "persistent and widespread issue". Medicines for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), epilepsy, blood pressure, as well as anti-depressant and hormone replacement therapy treatments were among the most affected, Harvinder many customers were understanding of the changes, others have become "irate and aggressive" towards staff, he added: "They say we're incompetent, that we don't know how to manage medicines, that our pharmacy is getting worse."The APPG on Pharmacy survey - of 112 pharmacists and team members - said 84% of pharmacists reported daily shortages, and another 14% experienced them several times a the survey, Labour MP Steve Race - chair of the APPG on Pharmacy - said action around shortages was "urgently needed". Harvinder explained staff often receive prescriptions that the pharmacy cannot supply due to shortages. They would then have to contact the customer's GP to find an alternative alternatives could have more side effects and be less effective, but Harvinder said "that's all we can offer them".He said, as a result of this, his pharmacy now spent 14 extra hours a week trying to tackle the shortages. "We don't have time to take care with our customers and answer their questions and help them understand their medicines - it's so limited now," Harvinder said being a pharmacist was "disheartening" right now, and added he even discouraged his children from studying pharmacy at university."It feels like our profession is sinking - it's not a nice place to be," he added. 'Too little too late' Harvinder said Pharmacy First - the initiative that refers the public to community pharmacies for minor illnesses and repeat medicines before attending GP practices - had been a positive said the scheme brought in more funds and had helped take pressure away from Harvinder is worried the initiative may be "too little too late"."We've expressed our concern, we've petitioned and seen no results," he added."Our regulators have acknowledged that there is an issue but they have never given us a solution."Rebecca Dickenson, clinical pharmacy lead for the NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire integrated care board (ICB) - which oversees the city and county's pharmacies - said: "Any abuse of pharmacy staff is unacceptable under any circumstances."Our community pharmacies will do everything they possibly can to support patients, but sometimes aren't able to due to circumstances beyond their control."Medicine shortages are caused by national and sometimes global issues. Some medicines may not be available due to problems with manufacturing, transport, high demand, or issues sourcing the ingredients."She advised customers to only order medicines they need in good time, and try other pharmacies if they could not get it from their nominated chemist.
North Wales Live
16-07-2025
- Health
- North Wales Live
£5 off at Well Pharmacy when you spend £15
HERE'S an amazing offer for readers to get £5 off at Well Pharmacy when you spend £15 at any of over 650 Well Pharmacy branches across the UK. Why not stock up on all your summer essentials, like sunscreen, insect repellent and hay fever medication? In fact, the offer covers most things you could find in your friendly local Well Pharmacy. Well Pharmacy is the largest independent pharmacy chain in the country. As well as making sure you get your NHS prescriptions quickly and easily, their expert pharmacists are on hand to give you advice and support with your health needs and can help you stock up on those summer health and beauty essentials To claim your £5 voucher , pick up your local paper between Wednesday, July 16 and Sunday, July 20, 2025 to find your printed voucher inside and present it at your local Well Pharmacy. Alternatively complete the form below and you will receive your digital voucher direct to your email. (do check your spam/junk folder). Voucher valid from Wednesday 16 th July until close of stores on Monday 4th August. If you cannot see the form above CLICK HERE As well as helping you with your prescriptions, Well Pharmacy also offers a broad selection of NHS and private services to help you stay proactive with your healthcare. They can save you waiting for a GP appointment for advice and treatment for a range of minor conditions through the Pharmacy First service (Common Ailment Service in Wales). The conditions include infected insect bites, impetigo, shingles, sinusitis, sore throats, earache and urinary tract infections in women. No appointment needed, just ask at the counter. To find a list of services in your local Well pharmacy or online, visit To find your nearest store, visit Terms and conditions: Offer valid until Monday, August 4th, 2025, in Well Pharmacy stores only, excludes online. Minimum spend of £15 applies. One voucher per transaction. Not to be used with any other promotion or voucher. Only original vouchers are valid. No photocopies. Cannot be used against any purchase of prescriptions, vaccinations, paid for services or baby milk. Coupon not transferable. No change given. Well Pharmacy As well as a large range of healthcare products, Well Pharmacy also offers a broad selection of NHS and private services to help you stay proactive with your healthcare. They can take the hassle out of prescriptions by nominating your local Well Pharmacy or their online service to receive your medication to click and collect, or to be delivered straight to your door in discreet packaging. Well Pharmacy can even save you waiting for a GP appointment for advice and treatment for a range of minor conditions through the Pharmacy First service. The conditions include infected insect bites, impetigo, shingles, sinusitis, sore throats, and urinary tract infections in women. No appointment needed, just ask at the counter. From the 22nd July, all Well pharmacies can help with weight loss for those who have struggled to lose weight previously. A pharmacist will guide you through each month with a recommended weight loss product and healthy lifestyle advice tailored to you. Patients can lose up to 20% of their starting weight with selected weight loss products. If you are unable to get into your local branch and have previously struggled to lose weight you can also access this service online via Well Pharmacy have helped thousands of patients to lose weight already, such as Sandra who in her Trustpilot review of the service says, 'A fantastic service. Polite and courteous staff. Life changing opportunity to lose weight.' For those over 40 in England, you can receive free NHS blood pressure checks at your chosen Well Pharmacy. Around 1 in 3 adults in the UK have high blood pressure and the chance of developing it increases with age. If left untreated, hypertension, which often has no symptoms, can lead to serious heart and circulatory diseases such as heart attack and stroke. Pop to your local Well Pharmacy and ask for a free blood pressure check with a member of the team who will be happy to help you in their private consultation room.
Daily Record
15-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
£5 off at Well Pharmacy when you spend £15
Why not stock up on your summer essentials with this fantastic saving! HERE'S an amazing offer for readers to get £5 off at Well Pharmacy when you spend £15 at any of over 650 Well Pharmacy branches across the UK. Why not stock up on all your summer essentials, like sunscreen, insect repellent and hay fever medication? In fact, the offer covers most things you could find in your friendly local Well Pharmacy. Well Pharmacy is the largest independent pharmacy chain in the country. As well as making sure you get your NHS prescriptions quickly and easily, their expert pharmacists are on hand to give you advice and support with your health needs and can help you stock up on those summer health and beauty essentials To claim your £5 voucher , pick up your Daily Record or Sunday Mail between Wednesday, July 16 and Sunday, July 20, 2025 to find your printed voucher inside and present it at your local Well Pharmacy. Alternatively complete the form below and you will receive your digital voucher direct to your email. (do check your spam/junk folder). Voucher valid from Wednesday 16 th July until close of stores on Monday 4th August. As well as helping you with your prescriptions, Well Pharmacy also offers a broad selection of NHS and private services to help you stay proactive with your healthcare. They can save you waiting for a GP appointment for advice and treatment for a range of minor conditions through the Pharmacy First service (Common Ailment Service in Wales). The conditions include infected insect bites, impetigo, shingles, sinusitis, sore throats, earache and urinary tract infections in women. No appointment needed, just ask at the counter. To find a list of services in your local Well pharmacy or online, visit To find your nearest store, visit Terms and conditions: Offer valid until Monday, August 4th, 2025, in Well Pharmacy stores only, excludes online. Minimum spend of £15 applies. One voucher per transaction. Not to be used with any other promotion or voucher. Only original vouchers are valid. No photocopies. Cannot be used against any purchase of prescriptions, vaccinations, paid for services or baby milk. Coupon not transferable. No change given. Well Pharmacy As well as a large range of healthcare products, Well Pharmacy also offers a broad selection of NHS and private services to help you stay proactive with your healthcare. They can take the hassle out of prescriptions by nominating your local Well Pharmacy or their online service to receive your medication to click and collect, or to be delivered straight to your door in discreet packaging. Well Pharmacy can even save you waiting for a GP appointment for advice and treatment for a range of minor conditions through the Pharmacy First service. The conditions include infected insect bites, impetigo, shingles, sinusitis, sore throats, and urinary tract infections in women. No appointment needed, just ask at the counter. From the 22nd July, all Well pharmacies can help with weight loss for those who have struggled to lose weight previously. A pharmacist will guide you through each month with a recommended weight loss product and healthy lifestyle advice tailored to you. Patients can lose up to 20% of their starting weight with selected weight loss products. If you are unable to get into your local branch and have previously struggled to lose weight you can also access this service online via Well Pharmacy have helped thousands of patients to lose weight already, such as Sandra who in her Trustpilot review of the service says, 'A fantastic service. Polite and courteous staff. Life changing opportunity to lose weight.' For those over 40 in England, you can receive free NHS blood pressure checks at your chosen Well Pharmacy. Around 1 in 3 adults in the UK have high blood pressure and the chance of developing it increases with age. If left untreated, hypertension, which often has no symptoms, can lead to serious heart and circulatory diseases such as heart attack and stroke. Pop to your local Well Pharmacy and ask for a free blood pressure check with a member of the team who will be happy to help you in their private consultation room.
