Healthcare services over the Easter break

People across mid and south Essex are being reminded to order any repeat prescriptions that they may need ahead of the Easter bank holiday (Friday 29 March – Monday 1 April).

Every bank holiday, NHS 111 sees an increase in people getting in touch about repeat prescriptions. Therefore, people are being encouraged to be prepared by ensuring there is enough repeat prescription medicine to last over the Easter Bank Holiday, and ordering ahead of time, if needed.

Think Pharmacy First

Going to your local pharmacy offers an easy and convenient way to get clinical advice on minor health concerns – you don’t need an appointment and you can be seen in a private consultation room if you prefer.

Your local pharmacy can help with minor illnesses like coughs, colds and red eye. Your local pharmacist can also provide some prescription medicines for certain conditions, in needed, without a GP appointment. You can get care directly from a pharmacist for conditions including earache, impetigo, infected insect bites, shingles, sinusitis, sore throat and urinary tract infections (UTIs) for women ages 16-64 from local pharmacies. They are open late, on weekends and during Bank Holidays with no appointment needed.

How pharmacies can help Find a pharmacy

NHS 111

NHS 111 is available 365 days a year, 24 hours a day for urgent health concerns, giving you advice and reassurance without needing to leave your home.

111.NHS.UK can direct patients to the most appropriate service to meet their needs. If needed a healthcare professional will call you back.

NHS 111

Accessing dental services

If you think you need urgent dental treatment over the Easter period, contact your usual dentist. If you can’t or you don’t have one, 111.nhs.uk.

If an urgent appointment is needed, you will be provided with details of your local out of hours service.

Remember you can get the answers to hundreds of health questions, including seasonal advice via www.nhs.uk.

Mental health

Adults experiencing a mental health crisis, can speak to a mental health professional anytime, day or night, by calling NHS 111 and selecting the option for mental health. Call 0800 995 1000 for under 18s who need urgent mental health support.

NHS App

The NHS App provides a simple and secure way to access a wide range of services on a smartphone or tablet. It offers access to certain NHS services online.

Download the NHS App

For more information on when to call 999 and when to go to A&E, visit the NHS website:

NHS UK

Remember, if it is a life-threatening emergency or if you are concerned about an immediate risk of harm, either to yourself or someone else, please phone 999.