Ahead of the Easter bank holiday, the capital’s NHS is encouraging Londoners to keep their health front of mind by ordering repeat prescriptions early and stocking up on any medication for any existing health conditions.
Over the long weekend some GP surgeries and pharmacies may be closed, or working reduced hours, so it is important for Londoners to take this into consideration when planning for their healthcare needs.
A list of services that will be open over the long weekend can be found on the NHS London website, as well as the NHS Find a Pharmacy site.
NHS 111 online remains the best first port of call for people with urgent medical or dental care needs, where a trained adviser will provide the best care pathway.
On top of this, industrial action by junior doctors, part of the BMA and HCSA, is set to take place from Tuesday 11 to Saturday 15 April, which will inevitably have another huge impact on NHS services especially coming directly after the upcoming bank holiday. It is therefore vital that Londoners use emergency services appropriately to ensure care is available to patients who need it most.
Dr Chris Streather, Medical Director for the NHS in London said:
“While many NHS services will still be open over the bank holidays, we do anticipate emergency departments to be busier. It is therefore important for people to prepare early where possible, to look after yourself, friends and family with any long-term health conditions and avoid any preventable trips to A&E.
“With additional strikes planned by junior doctors, who make up around half of all doctors in the NHS, the impact will be huge with planned appointments expected to be cancelled.
“If you are in an emergency life or limb situation, it is important to call 999 as soon as you can, as we will be prioritising urgent and emergency care during this time.
“However, if you are not sure if you need to visit A&E for a medical problem, NHS 111 online will give you fast healthcare advice and next steps for treatment.”
