The NHS in Cheshire and Merseyside is urging people to know how to access urgent help while their GP practice is closed on Good Friday (18 April) and Easter Monday (21 April).
Health and care services can be extremely busy during the bank holiday period, so it’s important to choose the right service so you get the right help, first time.
NHS 111
For life-threatening emergencies and serious injuries, people should call 999 or go straight to A&E. For all other urgent help, or if you’re not sure what to do, contact NHS 111 by visiting 111.nhs.uk, using the NHS App or by dialling 111.
NHS 111 can assess and direct people to the most appropriate local service, including urgent treatment centres, GP practices, and consultations with a pharmacist. If needed it can arrange a call back from a nurse, doctor or paramedic or provide self-treatment advice over the phone. It is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
If you have a hearing problem, call 18001 111 using the Relay UK app or a textphone. To access the British Sign Language (BSL) video service, go to signvideo.co.uk/nhs111. If you need help in another language, call 111 and ask for an interpreter.
Pharmacy
Pharmacists can give you advice on a range of conditions and suggest medicines that can help. Pharmacists may also be able to offer treatment and medicines for some conditions without the need for a prescription.
Many pharmacies will be closed or operating on reduced hours during the bank holidays. To find your nearest pharmacy and check their opening times, visit www.nhs.uk/find-a-pharmacy.
Urgent treatment centres and walk-in centres
Urgent treatment centres and walk-in centres provide same-day medical help when it’s not a life-threatening emergency. Some centres will be operating under reduced hours during the bank holidays. You can search for appointments via NHS 111, or check opening times here.
Mental health
If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis, contact NHS 111 and select the mental health option to talk to a professional. You can also ring your local 24/7 mental health crisis helpline:
- Liverpool and Sefton (ages 16 and over): 0800 145 6570
- Liverpool and Sefton (under 18s): 0808 196 3550
- Halton, Knowsley, St Helens and Warrington (all ages): 0800 051 1508
- Cheshire and Wirral (all ages): 0800 145 6485
Dentists
If you need urgent dental help or advice, please contact your dentist in the first instance. If your dental practice is closed, or you aren’t registered at one, you can call the local dental helpline for Cheshire and Merseyside on 0161 476 9651.
NHS App
The NHS App lets you access a range of NHS services, such as managing your repeat prescriptions and viewing your GP health record, straight from your smartphone or tablet. You can download it via Google play or the App store, or access the same services in a web browser by logging in through the NHS website.