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Spring into action and make sure you and your family are ready for your healthcare needs this Easter
Published on Apr 11, 2019
You may be going away for a few days or just relaxing at home, but if you still want to enjoy your long Easter weekend with your family and friends you need to do a few things in advance to look after your health and be prepared for those unexpected injuries or illnesses.
GP Practices will be closed over the bank holiday so if you take regular medication please make sure you have what you need for the weekend. If you think you’re likely to run out, make sure you order your repeat prescriptions in plenty of time and collect before Good Friday (21st April)
Even though your GP Practice is closed on Good Friday and Easter Monday, there are a number of local pharmacies that will be open at certain times for medicine and advice on health conditions. Find out which local pharmacies are open over the bank holiday with this link NEL Pharmacies Easter Opening Times 2019
Things may not always go to plan, but no need to worry as there are a number of local services that can help if you or a family member needs advice or treatment. Dr Peter Melton, local GP and Clinical Chief Officer for the North East Lincolnshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) explained:
“This is just a gentle reminder to people that they need to be prepared and take control of their own heath by ordering their repeat prescriptions and collect them before their GP practice closes, to make sure that they have the essential medicine that they need.”
“If you are feeling unwell or are injured, and have urgent questions about your health and need to see a GP over the bank holiday weekend then please phone the Single Point of Access (SPA) on 01472 256 256 and you will have access to confidential advice and information 24 hours a day, from a fully trained adviser who is supported by experienced clinicians. They will assess your symptoms and give you the healthcare advice you need or direct you to the right local service.”
“When you need medicine and advice then your local pharmacist and pharmacy team can also help and provide you with confidential and expert advice on common health conditions. If people can take some responsibility for their minor aliments at home by using the services available it really helps the local NHS keep emergency services free for those that need them the most.”
To help you cope with, and self-treat minor ailments and manage any long term conditions you need to make sure you have the medicine you need. By having a well stocked medicine cabinet or first aid kit.
If you’re unsure what you need to take control of your health and practise self-care, your local pharmacy will be able to advise you or you can get advice on basic medicines on the NHS website. https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/your-medicine-cabinet/
For more information on alternatives to A&E and how you can choose well to stay well and help ease the pressure on the NHS emergency services visit http://www.northeastlincolnshireccg.nhs.uk/your-health-wellbeing/choosewell/