THE opening times for pharmacies in Andover and wider Hampshire have been announced ahead of the late May bank holiday weekend.

NHS England has published a list showing which pharmacies will be open over the bank holiday weekend, from Saturday, May 25 until Monday, May 27.

In Andover, two pharmacies will be open: 

  • Tesco Pharmacy, River Way, open from 10am until 4pm
  • Asda Pharmacy, Anton Mill Road will be open from 10am until 12.30pm, and again from 1pm to 4pm

In Basingstoke, there will be two pharmacies open on the bank holiday Monday:

  • Chineham Pharmacy at 34 Guinea Court from 10am to 1pm
  • Tesco Pharmacy in Chineham Shopping Centre from 10am to 4pm

Nearby in Winchester there will also be two pharmacies open:

  • Boots Chemists, The High Street, Winchester from 10.30am to 4.30pm
  • Tesco Pharmacy, in Easton Lane, will be open between 10am and 4pm

Further afield in Eastleigh's Asda Pharmacy on Bournemouth Road will be open from 10am until 12.30pm, and again from 1pm until 4pm. 

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Andover Advertiser: In Winchester there will be two pharmacies open over the weekendIn Winchester there will be two pharmacies open over the weekend (Image: NHS England)

The opening times of the pharmacies vary, with details correct at the time of publishing, although these are subject to change. It is advisable to contact the pharmacy prior to 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 an additional seven conditions, which are shingles, sore throats, infected insect bites, earaches, sinusitis, impetigo and uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI).

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.

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Andover Advertiser: Pharmacies are open in several locations across HampshirePharmacies are open in several locations across Hampshire (Image: NHS England)

More information on Urgent Treatment Centres can be found by visiting hantsiowhealthandcare.org.uk/your-services

Chief medical officer for NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight, Dr Lara Alloway, said: "Hospitals and GPs across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight have been really busy over the last few weeks and I want to remind everyone that local community pharmacists are here to help you during the bank holiday weekend.

"The pharmacy teams are able to provide you with expert advice on how to treat many common health conditions and they can give you advice regarding medications or direct you to the right service if you need further support.

“Our Urgent Treatment Centres (UTCs) are also open during the bank holiday weekend and they can provide fast, convenient and expert care for anyone with a minor injury or illness that is not life or limb threatening.

“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.

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.