Think of your health needs before the bank holiday, says top doc - The Redditch Standard

Think of your health needs before the bank holiday, says top doc

Redditch Editorial 23rd May, 2020   0

FAMILY doctors are encouraging people to be aware of their healthcare options over the bank holiday weekend.

There will be a change in opening times for some NHS services, like GP practices and pharmacies, with some closed on Bank Holiday Monday, May 25.

Doctors say the local pharmacist can give expert, confidential advice or medicines for minor ailments such as colds, tummy troubles and much more.

People can also go to NHS 111 online or call 111, the free NHS Service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for fast medical advice when it’s not an emergency. This can include arranging an out-of-hours GP appointment.




“It’s important to plan ahead and make sure you’re fully prepared for the bank holiday weekend,” said Dr Carl Ellson, medical director of NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire Clinical Commissioning Group.

“There are a number of different things people can do to be ready, for example, collect your repeat prescription in good time, keep your medicine cabinet 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.”

People can also get help over the Bank Holiday weekend by contacting NHS 111, a local pharmacy or in an emergency, by ringing 999.

All emergency departments are set up to ensure that non-covid related emergencies can be dealt with safely.

In Redditch, the following pharmacies will be open on Bank Holiday Monday:

Boots in the Kingfisher Shopping Centre from 10am to 5pm.

Tesco Instore Pharmacy Tesco Extra, Coldfield Drive, from 9am to 6pm.

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