With the May bank holiday weekend just around the corner, it’s important to know where you can get health care and advice should you need it over the long weekend as NHS services such as GP surgeries and pharmacies may be closed or running on a reduced service.
People who need medical help that isn’t an emergency are being advised to contact NHS 111 in the first instance by visiting 111.nhs.uk or by calling 111. NHS 111 can help direct people to the most appropriate local health service if they aren’t sure where to go – this could include an out of hours GP, a pharmacy, a local NHS walk-in centre, or a hospital accident & emergency (A&E) department.
A list of South Yorkshire pharmacies that will be open can be found on the NHS South Yorkshire website here May Bank Holidays - Pharmacy Opening Times :: South Yorkshire I.C.B (icb.nhs.uk)
Patients can also get treatment for seven common conditions directly from their local pharmacy without the need for a GP appointment or prescription as part of the Pharmacy First scheme. This includes for Sinusitis, Sore throat, Earache, Infected insect bite, Impetigo, Shingles and uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women. You can get treatment for these conditions by walking into the pharmacy or contacting them virtually.
Dr David Crichton, Medical Director of NHS South Yorkshire said: “We hope everyone enjoys the bank holiday weekend but if you do need medical advice or treatment it’s useful for people to know which services are available and most appropriate.
“During bank holidays, Accident & Emergency departments can get extremely busy and we continue to see some people attending who don’t know where else to go when usual services are closed.
“Choosing the right service not only means you receive the treatment you need, but also helps reduce pressure on urgent care teams, allowing them to focus on those who need them most.
“Visiting your local pharmacy or calling 111 can potentially save you time and prevent an unnecessary journey, as well as making the difference for A&E departments and 999 to treat those with more serious conditions or injuries.”
During bank holiday periods GPs see an increase in the number of people requesting regular repeat medication urgently because they have run out. If you do take regular prescribed medication, please make sure you have enough to cover you for the extended period when your GP Practice may be closed.
In the event that you do run out of prescribed medication, please contact your local pharmacist or NHS 111 who can assist you with an emergency supply.