Avoid hopping around for healthcare this Easter
Residents and visitors across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire are being encouraged to learn about their healthcare options ahead of the upcoming Easter bank holiday.
Dr Geeta Iyer, Deputy Chief Medical Officer at NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire ICB, said:
“Our hospitals and wider health and care system have already been under significant pressure over recent weeks and bank holidays are also a traditionally a busy time for NHS services.
“That’s why we’re encouraging local people, and visitors to the area, to get to know about the different health care services that are available and most suitable to help your specific needs.
“By learning the local options available you’re not only helping our staff, but also you’ll access the right care first time.”
Services available in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire throughout the bank holiday include:
- NHS 111 can help if you think you need medical help right away. It’s available 24/7 online at 111.nhs.uk or by calling 111 and can guide you to the right care for your needs including injury or illness, an existing medical condition, dental care, mental health, and prescriptions or medicines information.
- Minor injury units in Clevedon and Yate and the urgent care centre in South Bristol – offer walk-in support for injuries that aren’t life-threatening, such as minor broken bones and burns.
- Pharmacists provide confidential, expert advice and treatment for a range of common health conditions and will be able to help you decide if you need to see a GP or other health service if necessary. Pharmacists can also now supply some prescription medicine without you needing to see a GP. The new Pharmacy First service offers treatment for seven common conditions including sinusitis, sore throats, acute earache, infected insect bites, impetigo, shingles and uncomplicated urinary tract infections.
Many pharmacies offer reduced opening hours over the bank holidays. Use the NHS find a pharmacy tool to check on your local pharmacy arrangements.
- HANDi app – gives parents and carers expert advice on a range of childhood illnesses including diarrhoea and vomiting, high temperature, tummy pain, chestiness and head injuries. Search for “Handi App” on Google Play or the App Store.
- 999 and A&E – should be used for serious, life-threatening conditions only.
- Dentists – If you need urgent dental treatment over the Easter bank holiday, contact your usual dentist. If you cannot contact your dentist, use NHS 111 online or call 111 for information about your local out of hours service.
Health services will be increasing their resource levels as part of plans to reduce hospital admissions and handle the expected pressures on services over the bank holiday weekend. Additional staff will be supporting the NHS111 services as well as the Rapid Emergency Assessment Care Team (REACT) in Bristol emergency departments.