BNSSG Healthier Together

Health and care services are ‘here for you’ throughout the Jubilee bank holiday weekend

24 May 2022

‘We’re here for you’ – that’s the message from health and care services ahead of the Jubilee bank holiday celebrations (Thursday, 2 June to Sunday, 5 June) as they remind local people that many health and care services will remain open over the long weekend.

Dr Peter Brindle, Medical Director for Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group, said:

“We hope everyone has a fantastic time during the Jubilee celebrations, but if you do need medical help, it’s good to know that NHS services in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire are available throughout the long weekend.

“They include NHS 111 which is available 24 hours a day by phone, or online at 111.nhs.uk. If you have an urgent but not life-threatening medical need, make sure you contact NHS 111 first rather than going straight to A&E. NHS 111 will help you right away and, if needed, a healthcare professional will call you.

“Our minor injury units and urgent treatment centre will also be open as usual – supporting you with minor broken bones, burns or sprains – and many community pharmacies will remain open too, providing advice and treatments for a range of minor illnesses.

“If you do come to see us, please show kindness and respect to health and social care staff. Sadly, there continues to be instances of violence and aggression across our services.”

While health and care services continue to be under pressure, the NHS is preparing for services, particularly A&E departments, to be busier throughout the Jubilee weekend.

Dr Becky Thorpe, Emergency Medicine Consultant at University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, said:

“We’re asking everyone in the area to do what they can to help us to help you.

“By only using A&E for genuine life-threatening emergencies, major illness or injury – such as bleeding that won’t stop, breathing difficulties or loss of consciousness – you’re helping our teams to provide treatment and care to the people most in need.”

People across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire are also being encouraged to think about their health needs ahead of the Jubilee bank holiday weekend, by ordering prescriptions in good time.

Dr Peter Brindle added:

“We want people to enjoy the celebrations, without worrying about their prescription medicines. While there are pharmacies that will be open, you can avoid last-minute shortages by planning and ordering the prescriptions you need in advance.”

Ordering repeat prescriptions can be done online with many GP practices, who can also send prescriptions directly to local pharmacies for collection. Getting prescriptions online can save time and help avoid trips to the GP.

A list of pharmacies and their opening times over the Jubilee bank holiday weekend can be found on the NHS website.

Covid-19 vaccinations are available over the bank holiday weekend – visit www.grabajab.net for details of all the vaccination options in our area. Vaccination works, and the Covid-19 vaccine offers the best possible protection from a serious Covid-19 infection. First and second vaccinations continue to be provided, alongside spring boosters for everyone who is eligible. Please visit www.grabajab.net for more information.

Urgent care services including the minor injury units in Yate and Clevedon and the urgent treatment centre in South Bristol are open as usual, from 8am to 8pm throughout the holiday period.

For urgent advice and help in accessing the right service for your needs, contact NHS 111 at any time or visit www.nhs.uk to find services near you.