NHS advice for May Bank Holiday weekends

People are being advised to order their repeat prescriptions in plenty of time ahead of the two May Bank Holiday weekends.

Opening hours for pharmacies may be different over these weekends so it is recommended that prescriptions are ordered in plenty of time.

The two Bank Holidays are:

• Monday 4 May
• Monday 25 May

There are a range of NHS services available for people who need them, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Self‑care

Many common illnesses – including colds, coughs, flu, earache, and sore throats – can be safely managed at home with rest, fluids, and over‑the‑counter remedies.

The Nottingham and Nottinghamshire ICB website has advice on children’s health and wellbeing, including what to look out for, when to monitor symptoms at home, and when to seek help.

Pharmacy

Pharmacies can help with less urgent conditions and may be able to offer treatment and some prescription medicine without you needing to see a GP (this is called Pharmacy First).

Conditions they can treat through Pharmacy First are:

• earache (aged 1 to 17 years)
• impetigo (aged 1 year and over)
• infected insect bites (aged 1 year and over)
• shingles (aged 18 years and over)
• sinusitis (aged 12 years and over)
• sore throat (aged 5 years and over)
• urinary tract infections or UTIs (women aged 16 to 64 years).

NHS App

The NHS App gives you trusted NHS guidance for hundreds of conditions, access to NHS 111 online, and the ability to:

• Manage and book GP appointments
• Order repeat prescriptions
• Nominate your preferred pharmacy to collect prescriptions, even if you’re out of the area on an Easter break
• Find trusted NHS guidance on hundreds of conditions and treatments
• View your health records and test results.

NHS 111

If you’re unsure what service you need, NHS 111 is available online or by phone, day and night. NHS 111 can:

• Direct you to the right service
• Book appointments
• Offer a callback from a nurse
• Arrange urgent dental care
• Provide mental health support
• Support you with a range of children’s health concerns.

Visit NHS 111 online or call 111 for quick, reliable advice.

Urgent treatment centres

You can visit your local Urgent Treatment Centre for sprains, fractures, minor burns and skin infections:

• Nottingham – The NHS Urgent Treatment Centre (next to the BBC building) is open every day, from 7am to 7pm. Seaton House, London Road, Nottingham, NG2 4LA. Call 0115 883 8500
• Newark – Newark Hospital is open every day, from 8am to 10.30pm (last patient seen at 9.30pm). Boundary Road, NG24 4DE. Call 01636 681681.

Dental care

If you need urgent dental treatment, call NHS 111.

You do not need to be registered with a dentist to get emergency help.

Mental health support

Visit the NottAlone website for mental health advice, support and services. If you have an urgent mental health issue, visit NHS 111 online or call 111 and select option 2.

You can find details about all your NHS services and how to access urgent and non-urgent care.

 

Published on behalf of Nottingham and Nottinghamshire ICB