Local residents have been offered advice about what to do if they need medical help over the upcoming bank holiday weekend, and have been reminded that GP practices will be closed on Monday.
Photo courtesy of the RUH, Bath
Residents are being encouraged to follow the advice given in the ‘3 before GP’ campaign, which Bath and North East Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group is backing:
- Self-care
You can safely treat the symptoms of many minor ailments at home, with rest and over-the-counter medicines.
- Use trusted NHS online services
The NHS Choices website offers advice on a range of health issues and is a useful place to turn for guidance. Another resource on offer in B&NES is the paediatric HANDiApp.
It’s free to download to smartphones and tablets and contains expert advice about the most common childhood illnesses, as well as lots of specific advice about how common ailments can be treated at home.
- Ask your pharmacist
Pharmacists are an excellent source of health advice, particularly about long-term conditions and common illnesses such as coughs, colds and stomach upsets.
You don’t need an appointment to see them and many have private consultation areas. Your pharmacist will tell you if you need further medical attention.
If you have followed the three steps above and still need medical help:
- Call 111
If your GP surgery is closed and you’re not sure where to go then you should make a free phone call to NHS 111, which is available 24/7.
An adviser will ask questions to assess your symptoms and then give you the advice you need or direct you to the best service for you in your area.
If required, the adviser will book you an appointment with your nearest GP out-of-hours service
- Emergency departments and 999 are for life-threatening emergencies
Emergency departments and the ambulance service are for life-threatening emergencies and accidents including; loss of consciousness, suspected heart attacks, breathing difficulties or severe bleeding that cannot be stopped.
Emergency departments are likely to be extremely busy over the bank holiday weekend with long waiting times, so please call NHS 111 for advice first if you are not sure where to go.
GP Practice Opening Times
All 25 GP practices in B&NES will be closed on Monday 28th May 2018.
Pharmacy Opening Times
Monday 28th May 2018
10.30am to 4.30pm – Boots, 33-35 Westgate, Bath, BA1 1EL – Tel: 01225 482069
10am to 4pm – Lloyds Pharmacy, Green Park Station, Green Park Road, Bath, BA1 2DR – Tel: 01225 332046
11am to 4pm – Lifestyle Pharmacy, 15 Westgate Street, Bath, BA1 1BE – Tel: 01225 465576
8am to 7pm – Boots, 1 Newark Street, Southgate, Bath, BA1 1AT – Tel: 01225 461251
5pm to 7pm – Keynsham Pharmacy, 15 Station Road, Keynsham, BS31 2BH- Tel: 0117 3294355
10am to 4pm – Lloyds Pharmacy, Chesterfield House, High Street, Midsomer Norton, BA3 2DD – Tel: 01761 413251
In an emergency, including loss of consciousness, suspected heart attacks, breathing difficulties or severe bleeding that cannot be stopped, always call 999.
