Residents urged to plan ahead for healthcare and check pharmacy opening times this Easter
As Easter and the school holidays approach, NHS Surrey and Sussex is reminding residents to plan ahead for their healthcare needs, check pharmacy opening times, and make use of the wide range of NHS services available locally.
With schools breaking up for the Easter holidays, and the bank holiday weekend which starts on Friday 3 April, people are being encouraged to familiarise themselves with local services and choose the most appropriate care if they need help.
Community pharmacies will be open at various times across the bank holiday and can provide expert advice and treatment for a range of common health conditions without the need for a GP appointment.
Under the Pharmacy First service, pharmacists can assess and treat several minor illnesses, helping people get care quickly and conveniently.
By choosing the right service, people can also help ensure hospital emergency departments remain available for those with life-threatening conditions.
Urgent Treatment Centres (UTCs), Minor Injury Units (MIUs), GP services, and NHS111 are also available for urgent health concerns that are not life-threatening.
Dr Charlotte Canniff, chief medical officer for NHS Surrey and NHS Sussex, said:
We’re encouraging people to take a few moments to familiarise themselves with the NHS services available in their area, so they know where to turn if they need care.
Community pharmacies are often the quickest and most convenient place to get expert advice and treatment for many common conditions, and many will be open across the bank holiday period.
Pharmacists are highly skilled healthcare professionals who can provide advice, treatment and support for a wide range of everyday health concerns.
We’re also asking people who rely on regular medication to check they have enough and order any repeat prescriptions in good time ahead of the bank holiday, to avoid running out.
NHS 111 is available 24-hours a-day, online or by phone for urgent medical help that is not life-threatening and can direct patients to the most appropriate local service.
For more information about local NHS services and self-care advice, visit the NHS website or contact NHS 111.