HEALTH experts are urging people to choose the right option should they fall ill and need medical help over Easter.
The extra-long bank holiday weekend means that some NHS services, like GP practices and dentists, will close on Thursday evening (April 13) and won’t open again until Tuesday morning (April 18).
They say it’s important to get organised and think ahead by contacting your GP practice or visit their website to find out their opening times over Easter.
“Many minor complaints such as coughs and colds can be treated by staying at home, getting plenty of rest and making sure you have a well-stocked medicine cabinet,” said a spokesperson for Redditch & Bromsgrove Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) of local doctors.
“Your local pharmacist can give expert, confidential advice or medicines for minor ailments such as coughs and colds, tummy troubles and much more. There are pharmacies open most days over the extended bank holiday weekend, so make sure you check out your local pharmacy opening times, these are available on http://bit.ly/2nYNtgq .
“You can also call 111, the free NHS Service, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for fast medical advice when it’s not an emergency. This can include arranging an out-of-hours GP appointment.”
The nearest Minor Injuries Unit will also be open over the Easter holidays and can be found at the Princess of Wales Community Hospital, Stourbridge Road, Bromsgrove, B61 0BB, open 8am-8pm Monday-Friday and 12pm-8pm Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays.
To get more information, you can find A&E and Minor Injuries Unit waiting times at http://www2.worcsacute.nhs.uk/how-busy-are-the-emergency-departments-and-minor-injuries-units-right-now/
Mari Gay, interim chief operating officer for the three Worcestershire CCGs said: “It’s important to plan ahead and make sure you’re fully prepared for the Easter period.
“There are a number of different things people can do to be ready, for example, making sure you collect your repeat prescription in good time will mean you’re well equipped for the Easter break.
“If you need help when your local GP Surgery is not open, you can call 111, which is a free NHS Service and can quickly direct you to the right health service, including out of hours GP appointments. Pharmacists can also help with a range of common conditions and minor injuries.”
