IMPORTANT: Healthcare services over the Easter break and beyond

With local health and care services remaining under severe pressure, the upcoming Easter holiday (7-10 April 2023) followed by industrial action by junior doctors (11-15 April 2023), people are being encouraged to be prepared and know what to do if they or a family member is unwell.

The NHS is urging everyone to carefully consider the best source of help and keep our emergency departments free for the most serious issues.

Please make sure you have stocked up on medicine cabinet essentials, including paracetamol, sticking plasters, indigestion remedy and anti-diarrhoeal treatments. Your community pharmacist will be happy to offer advice on essential medicines you should keep at home.

By doing so, you will be best prepared to deal with minor illnesses and injuries.

It’s also important to have enough repeat prescription medicine to last over the holidays.  While GP practices are now offering more evening and Saturday appointments, remember your GP surgery will be closed on Good Friday (April 7) and Easter Monday (10 April) and you need to leave enough time for your surgery to process a repeat prescription and additional time for your pharmacy to dispense it.

NHS 111

If you or a family member feels unwell, firstly visit the NHS 111 online symptom checker or telephone NHS 111 for help and advice.  Both are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Pharmacy

Your local pharmacy is a great source of help and advice and you don’t need an appointment to speak with a pharmacist. Some pharmacies will be open on Good Friday, Easter Day and Easter Monday.

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. To download the App, visit the NHS.UK website.

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

Guide to local health services over the Easter Bank Holiday 2023

We have produced a guide to local health services over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend which you can download below: