LOCAL health commissioners are advising residents to plan ahead with their repeat prescriptions by using Patient Access.
With Christmas fast approaching, people with long-term health conditions such as asthma, angina, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and diabetes are being reminded not to leave it too late to get their repeat prescriptions and only order what they need.
Many GP surgeries will be closed on the bank holidays over Christmas and New Year, so it is wise for people to think about the medication they will need before the festive period begins.
To help residents manage and order their repeat prescriptions, NHS West Lancashire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is encouraging residents to use Patient Access. Patient Access is available free of charge either online on the website: www.patientaccess.com or as a free smartphone app (simply search ‘patient access’ in the app store). Patient Access can also be used to make GP appointments.
Dr John Caine, local GP and chair at NHS West Lancashire CCG, said:
“There are thousands of people living with a long-term health condition in West Lancashire and we want to make sure that people with these illnesses have a good Christmas and New Year, and don’t face the issue of running out of their much-needed medication.
“Patient Access makes managing your repeat prescriptions easier as you can do this from the comfort of your own home using the Patient Access website or smartphone app.
“If you are using it for the first time though, you will need to register to use the app by contacting your GP practice.”
On the topic of using technology to help manage our health, Dr Caine continued
“Technology continues to aid some people in managing their day to day health. We appreciate that not everyone will be computer literate or have access to the internet so there continues to be alternative more traditional ways of communicating with your GP practice and managing your health. However, we really encourage anyone who has the internet and a smartphone to try Patient Access.
“We know that many people find the pace of life very busy and enjoy immediate easy ways of getting information they need, and many of us rely heavily on apps for all sorts of things; including our health. Ordering repeat prescriptions through Patient Access is now simply a few clicks at a time to suit them. Patients can also use the tool to book appointments and view their own personal medical records”.
To keep people healthy over their Christmas and New Year period, the NHS body is also reminding everyone of services that can help them:
Pharmacy Pharmacies offer free, confidential and expert advice about minor health concerns.
Online Access trusted advice and information by visiting www.nhs.uk
NHS111 When you need medical help or advice fast, but it is not a 999 emergency, call NHS111 service for FREE from mobile/landline
GP GPs are open in core hours during the day, although local practice times may vary.
Extended Access Local GP’s are available evenings/weekend, seven days a week, 365 days-a-year. To book an appointment, call your GP practice or visit www.nhs.uk/GPaccess
GP out-of-hours You can still speak to a GP even after your practice has closed by using the GP out-of-hours service. To access this service, simply call NHS111 or visit www.111.nhs.uk.
Dental For emergency treatment when your dentist is closed, call 0300 123 4010.
Walk-in Centre and Urgent Treatment Centre Both centres can treat minor injuries and ailments, and are open seven days a week, 365 days-a-year and open 8am-8pm. Ormskirk Urgent Treatment Centre (Ormskirk Hospital, Wigan Road, Ormskirk, L39 2AZ), call 111 for appointment. Skelmersdale Walk-in Centre (The Concourse, Skelmersdale, WN8 6LJ) You will be seen in priority order, which will be decided by a clinician.
Patient Access www.patientaccess.com
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