Publish date: 29 April 2024
Many pharmacies across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight will be open and here to help you this May bank holiday weekend (Saturday 4 – Monday 6 May 2024).
NHS England has published a list showing which pharmacies will be open. The list of pharmacies in Hampshire (including Southampton and Portsmouth) is attached to this press release alongside a separate list for pharmacies on the Isle of Wight.
You can view a map of the all the pharmacies that will open across south east England by clicking here.
Please note the different dates and opening times, as they vary. Details are correct at the time of publishing but are subject to change and therefore you are advised to contact the pharmacy before attending to ensure they are open and have the medication you need.
Along with minor illness advice and over the counter medicines, many pharmacies in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are now able to treat the following seven conditions: shingles, sore throats, infected insect bites, earaches, sinusitis, impetigo and uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI). Further information about the Pharmacy First scheme in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight can be found here: Treatment straight from your pharmacy
Urgent Treatment Centres (UTC) will also be open over the bank holiday weekend. They can help with injuries and illnesses that need urgent medical attention but aren’t life threatening. Waiting times can be shorter than at Emergency Departments and the team can also refer or direct you to the most appropriate service for you. More information about our UTCs and where your nearest one is, can be found here: Urgent Treatment Centres in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight
Dr Lara Alloway, Chief Medical Officer for NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight said: “In addition to dispensing prescriptions, our local community pharmacy teams provide expert advice on how to treat common health conditions such as colds, aches and tummy troubles. They also offer advice on medication and a range of other services.
“Pharmacists are trained to advise whether you need to see a GP, nurse or another healthcare professional if it is something more serious to ensure you get the help you need.
“We would also remind people who are on repeat medication to ensure that they check that they have enough supplies to get them through the bank holiday, as obviously, despite the bank holiday cover, a number of pharmacies will be closed.”
You can contact NHS 111 online 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 111.nhs.uk and the team can find the right support for you, including access to mental health support.
Your mental health is just as important as your physical health and there are a number of services available for you if you feel that your mental wellbeing is not as good as it could be. You can call 111 anytime to speak to a mental health advisor, or if you are experiencing a mental health crisis and need support, anyone in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight can text 'HANTS' to 85258 to speak by text with one of Shout's trained volunteers. Shout is a free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope.
You can view a map of the all the pharmacies that will open across south east England by clicking here.