Wednesday 03 May 2023
Islanders are asked to support our Community Pharmacies by getting repeat prescriptions dispensed ahead of upcoming bank holidays if they can.
People with sufficient medication at home can help by waiting until after the long weekend to obtain further supplies. This 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.
Prescriptions can be dispensed, at the pharmacist's discretion and if there is enough stock, up to four business days before the date on the prescription. People who are off island on the date of their next prescription may have this prescription dispensed in advance.
Teena Bhogal, Chief Pharmacist said:
"Our community pharmacies provide vital services for the community but are under continuing pressure. The situation is often made worse when the normal working week is interrupted by public holidays.
Pharmacies and their staff continue to work extremely hard to provide essential services. This includes not just the supply of our medications; they are also a valuable source of health information and advice for our community. We know that some pharmacy contractors 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"
Islanders are asked to support pharmacies by checking to see that they have sufficient supplies of medicines beforehand. Requesting routine repeat prescriptions in advance will allow the pharmacy adequate time to prepare them and to have capacity for urgent prescription.