Where to go if you’re feeling unwell this Bank Holiday
Just in case you need medical help this August Bank Holiday weekend, it’s important to know which service is best suited to your needs.
There are a lot of different services to choose from, so health leaders in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin are explaining the advice and treatment available for each. They are also urging local people to order any repeat prescriptions ahead of the Bank Holiday weekend.
Your GP practice may be closed on Monday 30 August, but a range of NHS services are available depending on your medical need.
For life-threatening emergencies such as a stroke or heart attack, always contact 999. Check out the NHS website for the signs of a stroke or heart attack.
Worried about COVID-19? If you are showing any symptoms such as a high temperature, a new, continuous cough or loss of taste or smell, please stay at home and use the dedicated service for advice www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19
For non-emergencies, you can contact NHS 111 online or call 111 free from landlines and mobile phones. The service is available 24 hours a day, including Bank Holidays, and after answering a few questions you will be directed to the best place to get the medical help and advice you need.
Pharmacies also offer over-the-counter treatments or signpost you to the relevant care. Pharmacists are trained health professionals who can advise on issues such as colds, tummy troubles, sore eyes and ears, rashes and also sexual health. To check the Bank Holiday opening times of your local pharmacy, please visit the NHS website.
Minor Injuries Units (MIUs) treat minor injuries such as bites, cuts, foreign bodies in the eyes, nose and ears, minor burns and scalds, sprains and bruises, as well as wound infections. Local MIUs are in Bridgnorth, Ludlow, Oswestry and Whitchurch. For opening hours, please visit the Shropshire Community Health NHS Trust website.
Urgent Treatment Centres treat injuries which don’t need emergency treatment. Local UTCs are at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital and the Princess Royal Hospital in Telford. For opening hours, please visit the Shrewsbury and Telford NHS Trust website.
For patients who need blood tests, the online booking system is open 24/7, including the Bank Holiday. The booking line will be closed on Bank Holiday Monday and will reopen at 9am on Tuesday 31 August.
Dr John Pepper, Chair of NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said: “Knowing how and where to access medical help gives you peace of mind. The NHS is here for you this Bank Holiday weekend, so please access the right service for you and your family if needed.
“I hope people in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin have a great long weekend. Even though many COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted, please remember you must still wear a face covering and follow social distancing measures if you do need to visit a healthcare setting such as a pharmacy, clinic or hospital.”
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