COUNTY health organisations are encouraging people to be aware of their healthcare options over the bank holiday weekend.
There is always extra pressure on emergency services over bank holidays with many people choosing to visit A&E, when there are a number of other health services available.
There will be a change in opening times for some NHS services, like GP practices and pharmacies, with some closures on Monday, August 27 do, it’s important to think ahead, say health chiefs.
Mari Gay, chief operating officer for Worcestershire’s three doctors groups said: “It’s important to plan ahead and make sure you’re fully prepared.
“Collect your repeat prescription in good time, keep your medicine cabinet fully stocked and know which healthcare services are available to you.
“If you need help when your local GP Surgery is not open, you can call 111, which is a free NHS Service and can quickly direct you to the right health service, including out of hours GP appointments. Pharmacists can also help with a range of common conditions and minor injuries.”
Many minor complaints such as coughs and colds can be treated by staying at home, getting plenty of rest and making sure you have a well-stocked medicine cabinet.
Local pharmacists can give expert, confidential advice or medicines for minor ailments such as coughs and colds, tummy troubles and more.
The 111 number is free, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and offers fast medical advice when it’s not an emergency. This can include arranging an out-of-hours GP appointment.
Minor Injury Units (MIUs) offer fast, convenient and expert care for minor conditions including cuts, grazes, sprains and burns.
There are five MIUs across Worcestershire:
Bromsgrove – Princess of Wales Community Hospital, Stourbridge Road, Bromsgrove, B61 0BB, open 8am-8pm Monday-Friday and 12pm-8pm Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays
Evesham – Evesham Community Hospital, Waterside, Evesham, WR11 1JT, open 9am-9pm
To get more information, you can find A&E and Minor Injuries Unit waiting times on the Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust website www.worcsacute.nhs.uk/how-busy-are-the-emergency-departments-and-minor-injuries-units-right-now.
Pharmacy opening times can be found at www.worcestershire.nhs.uk/pharmacy
