Local NHS services will be available for patients who need medical advice or care this Bank Holiday Monday (25 May).
Although your regular GP practice and pharmacy may be closed, GP services will be available in your area for anyone who needs to see a GP on Bank Holiday Monday. Call your regular practice for a recorded message giving details of out-of-hours services or phone NHS 111 and you will be directed to a local service that is open.
If you need an appointment with a GP, you are likely to be offered a consultation online or by phone. However, if you need a face-to-face appointment, GP practices have systems in place with additional precautionary measures to make sure patients can be seen and treated safely.
Some pharmacies will also be open. Pharmacists can offer not only prescribed medicines, but also advice on minor illnesses and conditions and they stock a wide range of over the counter medicines and remedies which are available without a prescription. Many have private consulting rooms if needed and there’s no need to make an appointment. Please check which pharmacies are open here: www.england.nhs.uk/south-east/our-work/pharmacy-opening-hours/
If your condition is urgent, which means you need medical advice or attention quickly but the condition is not life threatening or an emergency, you can call NHS 111 at any time or visit the online service at 111.nhs.uk. Urgent and emergency dental care can also be accessed through NHS 111.
Minor Injury Units and Urgent Treatment Centres across Kent and Medway will be open. You can find information about your nearest service here.
East Kent residents can also find live waiting time and service information on the WaitLess app.
Kent GP and Chair of NHS Kent and Medway Clinical Commissioning Group, Dr Navin Kumta, said: “The NHS is here to help this Bank Holiday and anyone who needs care or advice will be able to access the support they need. Anyone visiting a GP practice or pharmacy should follow the social distancing guidelines to help keep everyone safe.”
Coronavirus symptoms?
If you or someone you live with has symptoms of coronavirus, in particular a high temperature and/or a new persistent cough, and/or loss of taste or smell, please do not visit your GP practice or a community pharmacy.
Instead, stay at home and if symptoms worsen, or you feel you cannot manage at home, please refer to the NHS111 online coronavirus service.
