With Easter 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.
NHS South Yorkshire wants to ensure that when people are unwell, they get the right service at the right time so they can get the best possible treatment.
Some NHS services such as GP surgeries and pharmacies may be closed or running on a reduced service.
Selected pharmacies will be available for prescriptions, non-urgent medical advice, and treatment of common ailments. Pharmacies now offer the Pharmacy First scheme where they can supply medication for 7 common conditions without the need for a prescription or seeing a GP first.
A full list of pharmacies open in South Yorkshire over the bank holiday weekend, and which services to use if you are ill, can be found on the NHS South Yorkshire website here.
People who need medical help that isn’t an emergency should 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.
Dr David Crichton, GP and Chief Medical Officer at NHS South Yorkshire said: “As the bank holiday weekend approaches, it’s once again important for people to be aware of which services are available for them and their family’s health and care needs. Over bank holiday, Accident & Emergency and hospital departments 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 require, 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 in a timely manner.”
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, it is important to ensure you have enough to cover you for the extended period when your GP Practice may be closed.
Dr Crichton added: “We want to ensure that anyone with long-term health conditions, such as asthma, diabetes and heart disease, enjoys the extended break and doesn’t run out of their essential medicines.
“It only takes a few minutes to collect prescriptions or over-the-counter remedies so if you take regular medications or need to stock up your medicine cabinet, please plan ahead so you can enjoy your break.”
Also if you're eligible for the spring COVID-19 vaccine, we recommend you book a COVID-19 vaccination appointment online or in the NHS App now. If you plan to pick up any repeat prescriptions or medications before the Easter weekend, you may also be able to get a walk-in COVID-19 vaccine appointment at your local community pharmacy.
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.
The Easter weekend is Friday 18 – Monday 21 April 2025.