With the closure of GP practices on Friday, March 29, 2024, and Monday, April 1, 2024, residents of North Ayrshire are advised to determine where to seek assistance for common health issues.
During this period, select community pharmacies will remain operational, providing guidance on medication selection, usage, and advice on managing everyday ailments in an easily understandable manner. NHS 24 also offers access to pharmacists who can address medication and pharmacy-related inquiries via telephone at 111. Furthermore, NHS inform offers valuable guidance on preparing for visits.
Roisin Kavanagh, the Director of Pharmacy, emphasizes the importance of being prepared for managing common illnesses during the bank holiday weekend. Stocking up on essential medicines such as paracetamol and remedies for sore throats and coughs can alleviate symptoms of common ailments.
For individuals on regular medication, it is advisable to assess existing supplies and only request necessary items to last through the holiday weekend. Awareness of the closure schedules of local GP practices and community pharmacies is crucial. Consider the processing time for prescription requests, which may take up to seven days.
Services Provided by Community Pharmacists:
- Prescription of medications under the Pharmacy First service after consultation
- Treatment of women aged 16 and above for urinary tract infections under the Pharmacy First service*
- Treatment of patients for impetigo and skin infections, including infected insect bites and shingles, under the Pharmacy First service*
- Provision of repeat prescriptions in the absence of a GP under specific circumstances
- Advice and supply of emergency hormonal contraception for women
- Dispensing of prescriptions
- Guidance, support, and if necessary, prescription of nicotine replacement therapy for smoking cessation
- Maintenance of medication records for future safety checks
- Confidential consultations for sensitive matters
- Telephonic advice
- Instructions on proper medication administration
(*Subject to specific criteria)
Additional Services Offered by Many Pharmacies:
- Travel health advice
- Pregnancy testing
- Prescription collection and delivery
- Supervised methadone supply
- Needle exchange programs
Important Note: Individuals exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 should refrain from visiting community pharmacies.
During the Easter period when GP practices are shut, individuals can seek advice from community pharmacists or NHS 24.
Pharmacy Availability:
Friday, March 29, 2024:
All pharmacies will be open except for the following:
- Gallagher Healthcare, 6 Central Avenue, Ardrossan
- Gallagher Healthcare, 41 Glasgow Street, Ardrossan
- Davidsons Chemists, 18 Main Street, Dalry
- Gallagher Healthcare, 1 New Street, Dalry
- Davidsons Chemists, 20 Main Street, Dreghorn
- Townhead Pharmacy, Station Plaza, Pennyburn Road, Kilwinning
- Gallagher Healthcare, 19 Dockhead Street, Saltcoats
- Gallagher Healthcare, 41 Hamilton Street, Saltcoats
- Gallagher Healthcare, 17⁄19 Raise Street, Saltcoats
- Care Pharmacy, 55 Main Street, Springside
- Gallagher Healthcare, 33 New Street, Stevenston
Saturday, March 30, 2024:
All pharmacies will operate as usual.
Sunday, March 31, 2024:
All pharmacies will be closed except for:
- Boots Pharmacy, 1 Fullarton Square, Irvine (11 am – 5 pm)
- Superdrug, 6B Aitken Street, Largs (11 am – 5 pm)
Monday, April 1, 2024:
All pharmacies will be closed except for:
- Arran Pharmacy, Brodick, Arran (9 am – 1 pm)
- Boots Pharmacy, 1 Fullarton Square, Irvine (11 am – 5 pm)
- Superdrug Pharmacy, 6B Aitken Street, Largs (9 am – 5:30 pm)