Plan ahead for double bank holiday call as NHS prepares for long weekends

South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust is asking people to think ahead before the May Day bank holiday on Monday May 5 and Monday May 26.

Dr Sean Fenwick is the Trust’s Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Operations.

He said: “We’ve just seen a busy time over the Easter weekend, where our emergency and urgent care teams worked around the clock to help those most in need. Now we’re looking ahead, with two more long weekends coming up during May.

“We want to make sure people are prepared as they can be so that can enjoy the longer weekends and have everything they need at hand in case they do need to treat themselves if they feel unwell or have a minor injury.

“If anyone needs health advice while their GP surgery is closed or if it’s out hours, NHS 111 Online is a good place to check for information. It is also a good place to check where is best to get care, should they need help.

“This is also a good time for anyone who gets medicines on repeat prescription to check to make sure they have enough to see them through into next month. It can take three days to get a prescription through your GP, so make sure you give them plenty of time to help.

“Pharmacies will be open during the weekend and there are details about which ones are open during the bank holiday Mondays. They’re always a good place to get advice and the online listings help save time if you need to check which ones are open.

“Our A&Es and Urgent Treatment Centres make it their priority to treat those who are most unwell or seriously injured first, so others may face a long wait to be seen or be asked to seek treatment elsewhere.

“That’s why we want people to think about the right place to find help when they are hurt or ill and do their bit to help keep the emergency departments for those who need them most.”

Medicine essentials include:

paracetamol
indigestion tablets
plasters
antiseptic cream

To find details of your nearest pharmacy and opening times click here: Find a pharmacy

For children’s health advice, people can access The Little Orange Book which covers a wide range of illnesses in children from common minor ailments including teething, constipation, and colds, through to more serious conditions. Click here to download The Little Orange Book

A 999 call should be made if anyone is in a life-threatening emergency and requires emergency care. British Sign Language (BSL) speakers can make a BSL video call to 999. Deaf people can use 18000 to contact 999 using text relay.

Anyone in need of urgent mental health support can call 111 and select the mental health option.

Help is on hand for anyone who has concerns about alcohol. There is lots of help available, including from GPs. Support is also available through local alcohol support services or through Drinkline freephone on 0300 123 1110 or Alcoholics Anonymous: 0845 769 7555.