Latest News

Your GP practice will not be open on Good Friday or Easter Monday but there’s still expert advice and treatment available if you or a loved one becomes ill or injured over the Easter holidays.

If your Easter holidays don’t quite go to plan, emergency services will be 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 NHS 111, your GP, or a pharmacist.

If you need help urgently, please contact NHS 111 by visiting 111.nhs.uk. You can also phone 111, however, due to high demand on the service, it is likely that you will be sorted quicker online. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week including bank holidays, you will get the help you need. All you need to do is answer questions about your symptoms and you will then be directed to the right service for you. This may be self-care advice, information about where you can collect some medicine, or you may be booked in for a face to face appointment.

Fortunately, most people do not need professional help for minor ailments and a lot of minor illnesses can be treated at home with a well-stocked medicine cabinet or first aid kit. Search for your ailment by visiting the NHS website https://www.nhs.uk/conditions for advice on how to treat yourself at home.

Remember, you can also visit a pharmacist for advice and treatment. Pharmacists are highly qualified healthcare professionals who can offer clinical advice and over the counter medicines for a range of minor illnesses like sore throats, colds, tummy trouble and aches and pains. If your symptoms suggest it’s something more serious, pharmacists have the right training to direct you to the help you need. Find out which local pharmacies are open over the Easter holidays via this link Pharmacy Easter Opening Hours. The information is correct at the time of publishing, please check with the pharmacy before making a special journey.

Feeling well is not just a physical thing and holidays can be a difficult time for many people. If you are struggling with your mental health, don’t struggle alone. There is support available in North East Lincolnshire. Phone 01472 256256 and select option 3. Alternatively, you can text ORANGE to 85258 for free and confidential support 24/7.

“With the Easter holidays upon us, we are encouraging people to familiarise themselves with what support is available in North East Lincolnshire over the bank holiday weekend. Things don’t always go to plan and it’s important to know where to turn if you find yourself or a family member injured, feeling unwell or struggling with your mental health” explains Dr Ekta Elston, Medical Director, North East Lincolnshire Clinical Commissioning Group.

“There are plenty of places to get advice and treatment but as normal we are urging people to choose well and help us to keep services available for those that need them. Ordering repeat prescriptions so you have enough essential medicine for the Easter holidays and stocking up your first aid kit or medicine cabinet are really useful things we can all do, so that we can relax and enjoy the Easter break”.