With two bank holidays approaching in May, we would encourage you to take simple steps to plan ahead to know where to get help and the care that you need.
General Practices (GPs) are closed on the bank holiday Mondays – May 4 and 25 – and it is crucial for patients who rely on repeat prescriptions to order them well in advance and to make sure they have enough to see them through the long weekend.
Running out of vital medication can cause unnecessary health risks and put pressure on urgent care services, so patients should be requesting their medication as soon as possible.
People should also think about which NHS service is most appropriate if they become unwell.
Although some pharmacies will be closed over the bank holiday period, some will remain open to provide expert advice, over-the-counter treatments, and emergency medication where appropriate.
Community pharmacies can provide expert advice and treatment for a range of minor illnesses such as coughs, colds, sore throats, earache and stomach upsets, often without the need for an appointment.
For urgent medical help that is not life-threatening, NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, online or by phone, offering quick advice and directing patients to the most appropriate service.
Minor Injury Units (MIUs) are also available to treat non-life-threatening injuries such as sprains, minor fractures, burns and cuts, helping to reduce pressure on emergency departments.
Emergency departments (EDs) and 999 services should only be used for serious or life-threatening conditions, such as chest pain, severe bleeding, difficulty breathing or signs of a stroke.
Eligible people are now being invited to get their spring COVID‑19 vaccination as the NHS launches the next phase of its seasonal protection programme.
The spring dose is being offered to those at highest risk of serious illness from COVID‑19, including adults aged 75 and over, residents in care homes for older adults, and those aged six months and over with a weakened immune system.
COVID-19 is not just a winter illness and those who are eligible need to do all they can to protect themselves and those around them.
Eligible individuals will be invited for vaccination by their GP practice, via the NHS App, or by text or letter. Anyone who believes they are eligible but has not yet been contacted can check their eligibility and find out how to get vaccinated on the NHS website or speak to their GP practice.
On Thursday (30 April) between 6.30pm and 7.30pm an online About Health event will be held: How will AI transform healthcare in endoscopy.
You can join the inspiring session, which explores how AI is transforming endoscopy at our Trust.
It is led by Mr Jeff Butterworth, General Physician and Gastroenterologist, and Ms Sevina Tzortzis, Consultant ENT Surgeon. They will share how new technology is supporting earlier detection, enhancing clinical decision‑making, and improving patient care
You can reserve a free spot at the event.