NHS services are here for you throughout the Easter period

NHS services are available to support people in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent this Easter weekend. Although GP practices are closed on Friday and Monday this weekend, GP out-of-hours appointments can still be made and pharmacies are running a Bank Holiday Rota. And if you need help, but are unsure where to turn, then NHS 111 is always open to give advice. The easiest way to access the service is by visiting https://111.nhs.uk. Heather Johnstone, Director of Nursing for the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) said: “The NHS never closes and help is available for people who need it. “If you need help and you’re unsure who to contact during the Bank Holiday weekend, then https://111.nhs.uk is your best option, or calling 111. NHS 111 staff can even book timed slots in emergency departments and also local walk-in centres for patients with an urgent – but not serious or life-threatening – illness or injury. “GP out-of-hours appointments can be accessed via your surgery and there will be pharmacies open to help with minor illness and injuries and for over-the-counter medicines.” Services across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent are extremely busy, with hospitals experiencing high bed occupancy rates, and emergency departments always experience high demand during Bank Holiday periods. Please only visit an Emergency Department or call 999 in a genuine life-threatening emergency.