With the August bank holidays fast approaching, the NHS in Kirklees is reminding people where they can get the help they need on the bank holiday weekends.
The bank holiday falls on Monday 26 August. Over these busy bank holiday periods, people are asked to think ahead and to choose the right service for their healthcare needs.
Although a number of pharmacy and GP services will be available over the bank holiday, many will be closed or have different opening times. So please do check that you or the person you care for have enough medication to last over the long weekends.
If you take regular medication, make sure you have enough to last for the holiday period. Repeat prescriptions can be managed through the NHS App or your GP’s online service.
The Bank holiday is a popular time for music festivals and events, so if you are going make sure you’re prepared before you leave. You can get more advice from the St John’s Ambulance website or at the Festival Safe website.
Most GP practices will be closed on the Bank Holiday Monday. Appointments will be available as usual on Saturdays from 9am – 5pm. When your surgery is closed, you can access the GP out-of-hours service by going online at 111.nhs.uk or calling 111.
Everyone who has a scheduled appointment should attend as planned unless your local NHS provider has contacted you to reschedule.
Patients should use services wisely by going to NHS 111 online as the first port of call for health needs and continuing to call 999 in a life-threatening emergency.
Community pharmacists are trained health professionals who can advise on a range of conditions such as tummy aches, sore throats or rashes. You can find a local pharmacy and check opening hours on the NHS website.
Be prepared for common health conditions by keeping your medicine cabinet stocked. Useful items include appropriate pain relief for adults and children, cold and sore throat remedies, and antihistamines. Visit the NHS website for information on what to keep in your first aid kit.
If you have an urgent medical condition, but it’s not an emergency, you should contact NHS 111 by phone or go online at www.111.nhs.uk.
NHS 111 can tell you if it is appropriate for you to attend the Dewsbury walk-in centre in Dewsbury and District Hospital. It’s open from 10am to 6pm (last booking at 17:30) on bank holidays and weekends. Normal weekday opening hours are 9am to 8pm.
You should always call 999 in an emergency or when someone’s life is at risk. This includes severe bleeding, head injury, or if you think someone might be having a stroke or a heart attack.
A confidential mental health service offers support and guidance to anyone registered with a GP practice in Kirklees. You can access the helpline by calling free on 0800 183 0558, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There are additional services available on the Together We Can website.
If you need help and advice on local health services, visit the Together We Can website.