NHS chiefs are reminding the public to use 111 online for health advice ahead of the Bank Holiday – particularly in the Warrington area.
Attendances at A&E departments in the region are alresdy 15 per cent up on 2019 and with thousands of music fans descending on Warrington for the Creamfields festival the pressure on Warrington Hospital could be intense.
Ahead of the long weekend, local health chiefs have encouraged the public to continue to use services in the usual way and to come forward for care as soon as they need it.
The NHS 111 online service is already popular with people who want quick advice about the best options for getting the care they need; including a clinician calling the patient back to discuss their symptoms in more detail as well as refer them to a wide range of services across their area where appropriate.
Local pharmacies will remain open, but with limited opening times over the Bank Holiday for those people needing to pick up prescriptions or for other health advice
NHS England North West regional medical director, Dr Michael Gregory, said: “We are extremely grateful to the dedicated teams across the NHS in the North West who will be working hard over the coming bank holiday weekend to ensure all those that need care receive it.
“The NHS 111 online service is the most convenient way for people to access care helping to direct them to the right service quickly as well as providing medical advice.
“And it remains imperative that the public dial 999 in an emergency or consider checking via 111 online if you think you may need to attend A&E.”
Pharmacies open in the Warrington area over the Bank Holiday include: Asda Pharmacy, Westbrook (01925 625810) 10am to 4pm; Stockton Heath Pharmacy, The Forge, Stockton Heath (01925 266753) 10am to 12 noon; Tesco Pharmacy, Winwick Road (01925 6779805) 9am to 1pm; WELL Pharmacy, Baths Health and Wellbeing Centre, Legh Street, Warrington (01925 411177) 10am to 4pm.
NHS 111 online can help you with:
*where to get help for your symptoms, if you’re not sure what to do
*how to find general health information and advice
*where to get an emergency supply of your prescribed medicine
*how to get a repeat prescription
*get emergency dental appointments
*You should ring 999 if you experience:
*signs of a heart attack like pain like a heavy weight in the centre of your chest
*signs of stroke such as your face dropping on one side
