SUFFERING from ill-health isn’t good at any time of the year, but it can be especially difficult during the holidays.
With the early May Bank Holiday just around the corner, we have everything you need to know about opening times for the doctors.
1
Are doctors open on the early May bank Holiday?
Like most public services, GP practices have different opening times over the early May bank Holiday.
As this is a bank holiday, surgeries will most likely be closed.
Some surgeries might operate an out-of-hours service, but these can vary from practice to practice.
If you phone your nearest surgery, the answering machine will give you advice on how to get hold of an out-of-hours doctor.
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Many walk-in centres will also be open as normal on the early May bank Holiday.
However they could be busy, meaning you might spend a significant portion of your day waiting in the waiting room.
With this in mind, it is always best to call ahead and check the opening times before you travel.
Always check to see if your local practice has shared any information online.
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Or you can phone up ahead of time.
How can I seek medical attention on the early May bank Holiday?
The NHS can still provide you with medical assistance even if your local practice is closed.
If someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk, you can call 999.
If you require urgent face-to-face care, look up the Accident and Emergency or Urgent Care centre closest to you.
A&E is for emergency healthcare only.
Pharmacist Dr Richard Middleton adds: ”Check with your GP’s website on how to seek urgent care over the festive period.
”Most areas have minor injury units or urgent care centres that are available and very effective.”
Alternatively, for non-emergency treatment, you can call 111 or use the NHS 111 online service.
This will require you to fill out a form online with your details and health condition.
The NHS will respond with information on whether to see a GP or seek urgent care, offer advice, or you may get a call back from a health professional.
You can also find a hospital via the online NHS search tool, by simply putting in your postcode or town you’re in, and it will find you the nearest one you can visit.
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For health-related issues such as coughs, colds, or earaches, some pharmacies will be open over the early May bank Holiday.
Aside from knowing how to seek medical attention over the bank holiday, it’s also important to be aware of any possible health hazards and how to avoid them.
How to get and use the NHS App
Download the NHS App on your smartphone or tablet via the Google play or App store.
You must be aged 13 or over, and if you are in the Isle of Man, you must be registered with an NHS GP Surgery.
You need to prove who you are to get full access to the NHS App.
You can prove who you are using photo ID or your registration details for your GP surgery’s online services.
What you can do on the NHS App
With full access you can:
- Order repeat prescriptions and nominate a pharmacy where you would like to collect them
- Book and manage appointments
- View your GP health record to see information like your allergies and medicines (if your GP has given you access to your detailed medical record, you can also see information like test results)
- Book and manage COVID-19 vaccinations
- Register your organ donation decision
- Choose how the NHS uses your data
- View your NHS number (find out what your NHS number is)
- Use NHS 111 online to answer questions and get instant advice or medical help near you
