NHS Services Over the Jubilee Bank Holiday Weekend
Provision in place for urgent care should it be needed during royal celebration
Dr Vasa Gnanapragasam - GP lead for the area
With Wandsworth and Merton residents gearing up for a long weekend of royal celebrations, the local NHS is reassuring people that services are here for anyone who need urgent care over the extended bank holiday.
GPs are offering appointments, including evenings and weekends, for people with urgent health needs. Most appointments will be by telephone or through video consultation, but face-to-face slots will be offered if necessary.
Practices will let their patients know how to access urgent medical help between 8am and 8pm, with contact information available on practice websites. People can also visit 111online or call 111 at any time. Call 999 for emergencies only - if the situation is life-threatening.
If someone is struggling with their mental health, they should seek help via the 24/7 crisis line for Merton by ringing 0800 028 8000.
GP Dr Vasa Gnanapragasam said, “NHS services continue to be very busy, and you can also help us by using 999 only in emergencies for life-threatening situations such as chest pain, blackouts, a serious injury, or if you think you’re having a stroke. If you think you need help but aren’t sure where to go, contact NHS 111 first, by phone or online.”
If the weather heats up for the holiday, the NHS has advice around staying safe in the sun. Thousands of people end up in hospital each year because of heat and allergies, with the risk of serious illness much higher for children, elderly people, and those who already have health conditions such as heart and breathing problems.
Says Dr Gnanapragasam, “It’s important to take common sense precautions and follow our NHS top tips like drinking plenty of water, using high-factor sunscreen and taking allergy medicine where it’s needed.
“The NHS will be there always for anyone who needs it, but everyone can help by checking in on vulnerable friends and neighbours, while making use of the free, convenient, and helpful phone and online NHS services for minor illnesses, to help frontline staff provide care for those in emergency and serious need.
“People should talk before they walk and join the hundreds of thousands getting fast and free advice on the best course of action for them from the NHS.uk website or 111 phone line.”
Information on how to access NHS services over the bank holiday period
If you need urgent health care
• If it is a life-threatening emergency, then call 999
• If you are told to go to hospital, then you must go. The NHS will help you get the care you need.
If you need urgent mental health care
• Ring the 24/7 crisis line at South West London St George’s 0800 028 8000
If you need advice from a pharmacist
• For minor medical problems, not related to coronavirus, many local pharmacies will be open and are able to help this weekend – although their opening times may be different
• Some pharmacies will be open for longer hours – search for a pharmacy.
If you think you need urgent dental treatment
• Call your dentist
• If you cannot contact your dentist, or you do not have one, use the NHS 111 online service or call if you cannot get online
• If an appointment is necessary, this will be arranged at an urgent dental care centre.
If you or someone you live with has coronavirus symptoms
• Stay at home and visit this site for health advice
• Do not go to your GP practice, pharmacy or A&E
• If your symptoms worsen, or you feel that you cannot manage at home, please visit the NHS111 online coronavirus service. Call 111 if you cannot get online or you’ve been told to do so.
If you think you need advice from a GP
• GP services are available this Bank Holiday weekend
• Contact your practice online or by phone to be assessed
• If your practice is not open but an appointment is necessary, you will be advised of the next steps. Your appointment may be at another nearby service.
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May 27, 2022