NHS Bedfordshire is asking people to think twice about heading straight for A&E this Easter weekend if they are unwell and to consider alternatives, such as local pharmacies, NHS Direct or local Walk-in Centres.
To help support people in choosing the most appropriate service for their symptoms, it has published details on its website (www.bedfordshire.nhs.uk) of pharmacy opening times for the bank holiday weekend, as well as information on the range of NHS services available.
Dr Jason Reddy, local GP and NHS Bedfordshire Associate Medical Director, said: “A&E departments get very busy during bank holiday periods, as people are often not sure of the alternatives available when their GP surgeries are closed.
“Our message is to please only use A&E services or dial 999 in an emergency and to consider alternatives first.
“Pharmacies are an excellent place to get expert advice on treating common illnesses, without the need for an appointment, and so we have arranged pharmacy cover throughout the Easter period so that people can continue to use these services.”
The public are also being reminded that NHS Direct is available 24 hours a day on 0845 46 47 or at www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk for health advice and that NHS Walk-in Centres are open every day, including bank holidays, for minor illnesses and injuries.
If patients need to see a GP when their practice is shut, then they should dial their surgery phone number for details of the local out-of-hours GP service.
Patients on repeat prescriptions are also being reminded to check that they have enough medication to last them through the bank holiday period.