Health leaders in North Yorkshire and York say patients who become unwell over the Easter weekend can save time and help the NHS if they choose the right services.
With most GP practices closed for the four-day Easter weekend which begins with Good Friday on 15 April, the NHS wants to make sure people access the most appropriate care, depending on whether they have a minor health complaint, or something more serious.
Residents who need urgent medical help should ring NHS 111 first – trained health professionals can advise on where to go for the best treatment or arrange clinical review through the GP out-of-hours service if appropriate – or if it’s something less serious like a cough, cold or rash, people can visit their local community pharmacy for advice and treatment.
Hospital accident and emergency departments are for health issues that are a "threat to life and limb".
CCG GP Governing Body member, Dr Bruce Willoughby, said:
"It’s important people use NHS resources sensibly and ‘choose the right care, first time’ this Easter weekend.
“A wide range of common illnesses and injuries can be treated at home simply with over-the-counter medicines and plenty of rest. Often there is no shortcut to recovery – in many cases these things just need to run their course.
“Having a medicine cabinet at home with some simple over-the-counter remedies like paracetamol, ibuprofen, and anti-diarrhoea tablets is also recommended so you can treat any common illnesses or ailments yourself, without needing to see a GP.
“We ask patients to remember that hospital Accident and Emergency departments and 999 are for emergencies only, in serious or life-threatening situations."
The local NHS is also reminding patients with long-term conditions to make sure they have enough of their regular medication to cover them over the long Easter weekend.
EASTER PHARMACY OPENING TIMES
You can find full details of the pharmacy opening times over the Easter bank holiday weekend on the NHS North Yorkshire CCG website - https://northyorkshireccg.nhs.uk/north-yorkshire-pharmacy-opening-hours-easter-2022/
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