A CAMPAIGN has been launched to make visitors to Dorset aware of what to do if they run out of their prescription medicines.

Posters are being distributed throughout the area in a bid to avoid unnecessary strain being placed on local health services.

GP Dr Rob Childs, pictured, chairman of the North Dorset locality of NHS Dorset clinical commission group, explained: “The vast majority of people who holiday in Dorset go home having had a relaxing and enjoyable time. However it is inevitable that some will need medical attention.

“To ensure people can get the correct treatment promptly and continue with their holiday we need to ease the pressure on local services which can come from people using them incorrectly.

“Part of this pressure comes from people not knowing where to go for their regular medicines so we are trying to get the message out there that people should use the correct channels – or even better, come away with enough supply to see them through.”

The advice is that people should initially contact their own GP surgery to see if it can post or fax a prescription to a Dorset pharmacy. Ask the pharmacy before this is done.

Otherwise go to a Dorset GP practice to see a doctor.

If surgeries are closed, go to a pharmacy with proof of the medicines the patient normally receives. The pharmacy may be able to provide an emergency supply, but there is a charge for this private service.

People with prescription requests should not call 999, NHS 111, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.