How to get help over the Easter Bank Holiday
The Easter Bank Holiday is one of the busiest periods for the NHS. GP practices and some pharmacies will have limited opening hours which can make it more difficult to get medicines at short notice.
It’s important to be prepared and make sure you have your prescription ordered at least two weeks in advance to avoid any complications or delays.
You can also be prepared by stocking up your medicine cabinet with over-the-counter medicines to manage common illnesses at home. Make sure you have pain relief such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, antihistamines and a first-aid kit with plasters, antiseptic and eyewash solution.
You can also visit your local pharmacy without the need for an appointment, however, many pharmacies will operate reduced hours or be closed over the bank holiday weekend, so check your local pharmacy.
Get to know where to go
Self-care
Many illnesses and minor injuries don’t always need a doctor or a nurse (or any other health professional). Sometimes rest, lots of water and over- the-counter medicines (available at supermarkets or your local pharmacy or chemist) can help your recovery at home. For advice on treating a range of minor illnesses and injuries at home, go to nhs.uk.
NHS 111
If you’re not sure what to do or where to go, go to 111.nhs.uk. It’s available 24/7, 365 days a year. You can find out how to get the right healthcare in your area, including whether you need to see a GP or seek urgent care or get advice on self-care. NHS 111 offers a British Sign Language (BSL) service that is open 24/7.
Dental care
If you have pain in your mouth, teeth or gums, you will need to contact a dentist – your GP practice won’t be able to help. Contact your regular dentist, if you have one. If they’re closed, or you do not have a regular dentist, use the NHS find a dentist service, which will provide details of any dentists accepting new patients. This should be kept up to date by the dental surgeries, however, in the current circumstances, you may find it difficult to find a dentist taking on new NHS patients and you may have to travel out of your area.
If you need urgent dental treatment the advice to speak to NHS 111 or contact any NHS dental surgery who may be able to offer one off emergency dental treatment without registration.
Mental health support
Mental health support will continue to be available throughout the bank holiday period. For urgent help in a mental health crisis, freephone your local 24-hour helpline
In a mental health emergency, call us: 0800 0516 171
NHS Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust are here to talk. The line is open 24/7 for people living in North Yorkshire.
Choose well
For information and advice, visit the NHS Choose Well website.
If there is a medical emergency, where someone is seriously injured or their life is at risk, the public should dial 999.
