Families heading into the half term and late May bank holiday weekend are being encouraged to check which healthcare services are available locally before travelling or seeking treatment.
With NHS services expected to be busy over the long weekend, planning and knowing which services are available can help people access care more quickly and appropriately.
Check pharmacy opening times before you visit
A full list of pharmacies open during the bank holiday across Hampshire, including Southampton and Portsmouth, as well as the Isle of Wight. You can also check via an interactive map.
Opening times may vary, so people are advised to check with their local pharmacy before visiting.
Pharmacy First: treatment without a GP appointment
Through the Pharmacy First scheme, many community pharmacies can now provide advice, treatment, and prescription medication for a range of common conditions without the need for a GP appointment. These include shingles, sore throats, earaches, sinusitis, infected insect bites, impetigo and uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Dr Tom Bertram, GP and Clinical Director for Primary and Local Care at NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight, said,
“Bank holiday weekends can be particularly busy for healthcare services, especially urgent and emergency care.
“With the half term holiday also on the horizon, we know families will be planning trips to visit family, friends and different places, and it’s helpful to know help is at hand.
“The Healthier Together app offers trusted advice on a wide range of common childhood illnesses and symptoms.
“Community pharmacies are a quick and convenient way for people to access advice and treatment for many minor illnesses and conditions, especially if children get any cuts or bumps while out and about.
“If you are unsure which service is right for you, NHS 111 online is available 24 hours a day and can help direct you to the most appropriate support.
“We want to make sure people receive the right care in the right place, while helping services remain available for those who need them most.”
Urgent Treatment Centres open across the region
Urgent Treatment Centres (UTCs) across the region will also be open to support people with urgent but non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries.
UTCs can often offer shorter waiting times than Emergency Departments and are in Andover, Gosport, Lymington, Petersfield, Portsmouth, Southampton and on the Isle of Wight.
Mental health support available around the clock
Anyone needing urgent mental health support can call NHS 111 and select the mental health option to speak to a trained professional.
Anyone in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight experiencing a mental health crisis can also text ‘HANTS’ to 85258 to access free, confidential support from Shout’s trained volunteers, 24 hours a day.
As always, in a life-threatening emergency people should call 999 or attend their nearest Emergency Department.
News shared on behalf of Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board. Ed
