As the long Easter break approaches, Sefton residents are reminded to ‘Examine their Options’ over the bank holidays.
Examine your Options provides practical advice and support about how to choose the right NHS service at the right time, reinforcing the message that A&E and 999 services are for life-threatening and serious conditions.
Dr Rob Caudwell, chair of NHS Southport and Formby CCG, said: “Bank holidays are generally busy times for our emergency health services, so we’re encouraging people to take a look at the alternative options and really think about which is the most appropriate for their needs.”
Dr Clive Shaw, chair of NHS South Sefton CCG, said: “There are also some simple things you can do to make sure you’re prepared for Easter, like stocking up your home medicine cabinet with remedies like indigestion relief and paracetamol, as well as things like antiseptic and plasters for minor cuts and scrapes. If you are prescribed medication, make sure you have enough to cover the holidays.”
So if you do need health advice or treatment over Easter, examine which option is best for you:
www.nhs.uk – where you can check symptoms, get answers to common health questions, enquire about non urgent health matters and find local services.
Your local pharmacy — can give expert advice about common illnesses and ailments and the best medicines to treat them. Many are open on Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday.
GP out of hours service – when your doctor’s surgery is closed, you can still see a local GP by calling your usual practice number and following the instructions to connect to the service.
Litherland Walk-in Centre – provides treatment for all ages, 8am-8pm, 365 days of the year with no need for an appointment.
NHS 111 – when you need medical help fast but it is not a 999 emergency. NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Call 111 – free from landlines and mobiles.
Emergency dental services – when your dentist is closed you can call 0161 476 9651 for advice and assistance with urgent problems.
You can find an easy guide with Easter pharmacy opening times and links to a range of the information on our CCG websites www.southseftonccg.org.uk or www.southportformbyccg.org.uk/, or by downloading a handy ‘app’ from Google Play or the iTunes App Store and search NHS SFCCG or NHS SSCCG.
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