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GP practices in North East Lincolnshire will not be open for the two May Bank Holiday weekends, but there's no need to worry as there is still expert advice and treatment available if you or a member of your family becomes ill or injured during the long weekends.

If it’s not an emergency but you need urgent health advice then you should ring the Single Point of Access (SPA) on 01472 256 256. This service provides confidential advice and information 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Trained advisers who are supported by experienced clinicians will assess what you need and either give you advice there and then, or direct you to the appropriate service for your needs.

If you have symptoms of COVID-19 you must get a test and self isolate until you get the result. Find out more Coronavirus (COVID-19) - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

The majority of  people do not need professional help for minor ailments and a lot of minor illnesses can be treated at home with what you have in your medicine cabinet or first aid kit if you are out and about, or by getting advice from a pharmacy about over the counter medicines. The NHS website is full of trusted information and advice. You can search for your ailment by visiting https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/.

A number of pharmacies will be open over the bank holidays to provide expert advice on treatment and essential medicines for minor health issues. You can find out which local pharmacies these are via this link NEL Pharmacies Opening Times May Bank Holidays. The information is correct at the time of publishing, but please check with the pharmacy before making a special journey.

Emergency services are operating as usual, but you should only go to A&E or dial 999 in a real emergency - if you are badly hurt, seriously ill or if you have been advised to go there by the Single Point of Access (or NHS 111), your GP or a pharmacist. 

Outside of weekends and Bank Holidays, GP practices in North East Lincolnshire are open for patient services although the arrangements are different to enable them to work safely due to coronavirus, and you should not attend a GP surgery unless you have been told to do so. Our practices are operating a triage system to assess all requests for appointments and support via on-line methods or telephone. Patients can then be seen face to face, where this is deemed clinically appropriate.

For further information contact the North East Lincolnshire CCG Communications Team on nelccg.comms@nhs.net

When should I visit A&E?

https://www.northeastlincolnshireccg.nhs.uk/choosewell/isaeforme/

A&E (or 999) is for when someone:

• is unconscious
• has severe chest pain
• has a fever and is persistently lethargic despite having paracetamol or ibuprofen
• has a head injury and vomiting
• has heavy blood loss
• is having difficulty breathing (breathing fast, panting or are very wheezy)
• has severe abdominal pain
• has a cut that won’t stop bleeding or is gaping open
• has a leg or arm injury and can’t use the limb
• has swallowed poison or tablets
• has an object lodged in nose or ear.

Or if you have been advised to by SPA, NHS 111, your GP or a pharmacist.