Many common illnesses, such as sore throats and upset stomachs or bruises and sprains, can be treated more quickly by going to an emergency pharmacist or an out-of-hours GP service, which can be accessed through NHS 111, and are both available over the bank holiday weekend.
Remember, you should only call 999 or go to an Emergency Department if you have a life-threatening illness or injury. For less serious conditions, there are a range of options available to you.
Dr. Junaid Azam, a local GP from Bradford said,
we hope everyone has an enjoyable bank holiday weekend, remember there are a range of NHS services available to you. It is important you choose the correct service for your needs.
NHS 111 is available online at 111.nhs.uk – it’s free to use and is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. If you don’t have access to the internet or are asking about a child under 5, you can phone 111. They will be able to provide you with immediate medical advice and if necessary direct you to the best NHS service for your needs.
It is important you contact the correct service if you need medical attention, don’t leave it to chance, there are still services available over the bank holiday weekend. Make sure you check using the information below what services you can access and when.
Depending on the situation, NHS 111 can:
- find out what local NHS service can help you
- connect you to a nurse, emergency dentist, pharmacist or GP
- book a face-to-face appointment if you need one
- give an arrival time if you need to go to A&E – this might mean you spend less time in A&E
- help you speak to someone who can provide mental health support
- arrange for you to pick up medicine at a pharmacy near to you
- give you advice on how to look after yourself
People are also being encouraged to order their repeat prescriptions ahead of the bank holidays, which can be done using online services and apps for many GP practices. Getting regular prescriptions online can save patients time and avoid unnecessary trips to the GP.
This bank holiday weekend, some pharmacies might have different opening hours. Search ‘Find a pharmacy NHS’ or click below to find an open pharmacy near you. Find a pharmacy – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Tips for the August bank holiday weekend:
- Stay water safe, know the risks and check the signs before going into any water
- Stay ‘Moor Safe’ – the weather has been warm and dry which means there is an increased risk of wildfires. West Yorkshire fire service have lots of advice how you can help reduce the risks of wildfires.
- Be prepared for common health problems by keeping a well-stocked medicine cabinet at home so you can treat bumps and bruises and coughs and colds quickly
- Make sure that you have enough prescription medicines to last over the bank holiday weekend to avoid becoming unwell
- Health advice and information is available online all day and night, every day of the year via the NHS App or the NHS website
- If you are away from home, you can find out how to get help where you are by using the find NHS services tool
For children’s health advice, visit Healthier Together website which covers a wide range of illnesses in children including coughs, colds, constipation and tummy upsets.