As we approach the August bank holiday, the NHS in Leeds is encouraging residents to plan ahead to stay well.
Throughout the bank holiday weekend, health services, including GP appointments, will continue to be available.
Patients with long-term conditions are being asked to make sure they have enough medicines available to cover the three-day weekend. As well as having enough prescribed medication, it’s also important to have a well-stocked medicine cabinet to treat minor illnesses such as coughs, colds, headaches and diarrhoea at home.
If you become unwell or are injured and aren’t sure which service you need, help and advice is available 24 hours a day from NHS 111 online (111.nhs.uk/) or by phone.
In addition, many community pharmacies will be open throughout the bank holiday, where you can get advice and over the counter medication for common ailments such as aches and pains, colds, skin rashes and uncomplicated cystitis.
Although most GP practices will be closed, appointments with GPs and other healthcare professionals are still available throughout the bank holiday weekend for those who need them. Appointments must be pre-booked by calling your usual GP practice number, or by calling NHS 111 for advice. The appointment may be at a nearby surgery referred to as an extended access hub, rather than your usual surgery.
Medical help is also available at the city’s urgent treatment centres, which are for minor injuries and illnesses that are urgent but not life or limb threatening.
Dr Sarah Forbes, GP and Medical Director of the Integrated Care Board in Leeds said:
“Health services will be available throughout the bank holiday but are likely to be extremely busy, so we’re asking people to plan ahead and to choose the right service if they do become unwell.
“To make sure that people who become unwell over the bank holiday weekend can still get medical help, our extended access service will be open as normal. This means people can still see a healthcare professional, normally a GP or a nurse. Even though the appointment might not be with your usual team, the healthcare professional looking after you will have access to your medical records.
“Please only visit hospital emergency departments or call 999 in life-threatening situations such as chest pain, blackouts, severe blood loss that can’t be stopped, a serious injury, or if you think you’re having a stroke. This will help make sure those who most urgently need help can be seen quickly. If you’re not sure which service you need, please contact NHS 111.
“Finally, I’d like to say a special thank you to all our health and care colleagues who will be working throughout the bank holiday weekend to keep the people of Leeds safe and well.”
To find GP and pharmacy opening times over the bank holidays, please visit: www.healthandcareleeds.org
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To find out more about local health services, visit https://www.healthandcareleeds.org/health/services/.