NHS asks people to plan ahead and stay safe this Easter Bank Holiday

People across the North East and North Cumbria are being reminded to plan ahead, stay safe, and use the right NHS services this Easter bank holiday weekend.

Many GP surgeries and local pharmacies will be closed over the long weekend, so the NHS is asking everyone to order their repeat prescriptions early, and make sure their medicine cabinets are stocked with everyday essentials, to help reduce pressure on busy NHS services.

Dr Neil O’Brien, chief medical officer, NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB), said: "Bank holidays are always a busy time for the NHS.

"Our teams are here to help if you need urgent care, but there can be long waits, so we’re asking the public to please help us by planning ahead.”

Three key things you can do to help:

  • Plan ahead – Make sure you have some medicine cabinet essentials such as paracetamol, indigestion tablets, plasters, and antiseptic cream, as well as making sure you have ordered any repeat prescription items in time for the Easter break, but please remember to only order what you really need.

GP surgeries will be closed on Good Friday 18 April, Easter Monday 21 April, and again for the May Bank Holiday 5 May. It can take up to 3 days to get a repeat prescription, so don’t leave it too late.

  • Use the right service - If you need medical advice but it’s not an emergency, visit 111.nhs.uk for help. NHS 111 can direct you to the right care quickly.
  • Stay safe - Enjoy the bank holiday safely – take care if you're doing DIY, gardening or outdoor activities, and try not to drink too much alcohol.

“I’d like to say a big thank you to all the health and care teams working over the bank holiday added Dr O’Brien.

"We really appreciate everything you do to look after people during this busy time.”

Ewan Maule, ICB clinical director of medicines, added: “If you do forget to order your repeat prescription in time, don’t panic.

"Some local pharmacies will still be open and may be able to help. Check your local pharmacy’s opening times on the ICB website.

"But please remember 'only order what you need'. If you already have enough, there’s no need to order more - you can always ask for it later when you do need it."

Top tips for healthcare over the bank holidays:

Repeat prescriptions 

  • Order online in plenty of time via your GP Practice website or call them – you need to be registered with your practice for this.
  • Order through the NHS App – download the app from Google Play or the App store, you can register without having to visit your practice.  More information on the NHS App is available on the NHS website.
  • Order in person at your GP practice

Be prepared

  • Be prepared for common health problems by keeping a well-stocked medicine cabinet at home.
  • Community pharmacists are part of your expert NHS health care team and are excellent at giving lots of advice about self-care and medications to treat common health conditions at home. Check your local pharmacy’s opening times over the bank holidays on the ICB website.
  • Health advice and information is available via the NHS App or the NHS website, or from your local GP practice website which link to a range of online services.
  • For children’s health advice you can download The Little Orange Book which covers a wide range of illnesses in children from common minor ailments including teething, constipation, and colds, through to more serious conditions.

Minor illness or injury

· If you do suffer a minor injury or illness, NHS111 online is a great place to seek advice and can help you reach the right place for your care.

Emergency care

· If you or someone else has a life-threatening emergency and require emergency care, you should call 999.

· British Sign Language (BSL) speakers can make a BSL video call to 999.

· Deaf people can use 18000 to contact 999 using text relay.

Mental health

Anyone needing urgent mental health support can get help by calling 111 and selecting the mental health option.

Alcohol

· If you are concerned about how much you, or someone you know, drinks, there’s lots of help available, including talking to your GP.

· Find your local alcohol support service or contact:

Drinkline freephone: 0300 123 1110

Alcoholics Anonymous: 0845 769 7555