How bank holiday for Queen's funeral will affect health services in Cornwall
Patients are being urged to order and collect repeat prescriptions before Monday
Last updated 16th Sep 2022
The NHS in Cornwall is urging patients to order and collect repeat prescriptions ahead of The Queen's funeral.
Many GPs will close for Monday's bank holiday and officials say those with appointments will be contacted directly.
Patients with booked hospital appointments or surgeries are being told to plan as if they are going ahead and, again, those needing to rescheduled will be contacted directly.
The Royal Cornwall Hospitals' Trust website states: "Following the announcement that Monday 19th September will be a bank holiday to coincide with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's state funeral, we are working on the arrangements for our services and staff.
"If you have an appointment with us for Monday 19th September or are booked for surgery, please plan as if it is going ahead. If we do need to reschedule your appointment, we will get in touch with you directly.
"We understand the death of Her Majesty The Queen will have a significant impact on many people around the world, and if you need to reschedule your appointment to a future date, please contact the number on your appointment letter".
In a statement, NHS Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly says: "To support staff and patients to mourn the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on the day of her state funeral, there will be changes to GP surgery opening hours on bank holiday Monday (19th September).
"Your local surgery will communicate their plans by their usual means such as social media, website, text messages and on-site notices. Patients whose appointments are affected will be contacted directly.
"Some local pharmacies will also be closed or have different opening hours, please see their on-site notices. You can search Find a pharmacy NHS to locate community pharmacies, along with the opening hours (note that this information is being updated at short notice).
"Please ensure you plan ahead if you will need a repeat prescription, and remember to collect it in time. You can order your medication using the NHS App, or with your GP practice, which may also have an online service. By re-stocking medicine cabinets and planning ahead for repeat prescriptions, you can ensure you have everything you need ahead of the bank holiday weekend.
The NHS remains open for you during this time. If you have an urgent health concern during the bank holiday, use NHS 111 online for medical help, or by phoning 111.
"If you need urgent dental treatment, contact your regular dentist. If you cannot contact your dentist, call 0333 405 0290 or out of hours use NHS 111 online".