NHS is here for you this Easter

As the Easter weekend fast approaches, people in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes are being reminded to use NHS111 online as their first point of contact for non-emergency medical advice over the bank holiday period (3 – 6 April).

NHS 111 online works in the same way as the 111 phone service and is already popular with people who want quick advice about the best options for getting the care they need.  These can include getting a call back from a trained clinician or nurse, booking them an appointment in A&E, or providing advice

Sarah Stanley, Clinical Director for Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board, said:

“The Easter weekend will be a very busy time for the NHS with A&E departments experiencing increased demand alongside our 111 health advisors and clinicians.

“The public can help us by using the right service for their needs, including 111 online for quick and easy medical help. It can direct people to the right service quickly, as well as providing medical advice, and helps to keep urgent and emergency services clear for the most seriously ill and injured patients.

“In the event of a life or limb threatening emergency people should always continue to call 999 or attend A&E and the NHS will be there to support them.”

People are also encouraged to plan ahead by keeping their medicine cabinet at home stocked with essential basic medicines such as pain relief, cold and flu remedies, throat lozenges, antihistamines, and basic first aid items like plasters and antiseptic cream.

Many of these items can be easily purchased at local pharmacies or supermarkets and don’t require a prescription.

As well as over-the-counter remedies, most pharmacies can also offer prescription medicine for some conditions, without you needing to see a GP or make an appointment through the Pharmacy First system. If you are travelling at Easter, remember to take your medication with you and remind family or friends visiting you to do the same.

There are some pharmacies open over the Easter weekend, and all will be operating as normal after bank holiday Monday. GP practices will open their doors again on Tuesday morning. Be patient with practice teams as they try get through large volumes of calls. If you have a computer or smartphone, you can use your GP practice’s e-consultation service, which directs your query quickly to the right member of practice staff, and helps free up the telephone lines for those who aren’t online.

Information on these services and self-help advice can be found on the NHS website.