Know where to go for local healthcare services on Easter Bank Holiday weekend

Local NHS Leaders are urging people to use health services wisely during the Easter Bank Holiday weekend.

As health services across the county prepare for a busy Easter weekend, Simon Hairsnape, Accountable Officer from Herefordshire Clinical Commissioning Group, advised: “If you do get ill during the Easter weekend there are a number of health services available including your local pharmacist, GP appointments via NHS 111 and minor injury units in Kington and Ledbury – please check the details below. If you are unsure which service you need or require non-emergency medical guidance, free advice is available 24 hours a day by calling NHS 111”.

“Make sure you have medication at home to deal with minor injuries and common ailments like coughs, sneezes, colds and upset stomachs, and people with long-term conditions like asthma, heart conditions and diabetes should collect any repeat prescriptions they might need before the Easter weekend”.

Jon Barnes, chief operating officer at Wye Valley NHS Trust, added: “Accident and Emergency is only for people with serious illnesses and injuries, so if it’s not life threatening or serious please access one of the NHS alternatives available to you”.

“If you do attend our A&E department with a minor injury or illness you may end up waiting a long time to be seen whilst we see and treat urgent patients, such as those with breathing difficulties, chest pain, and serious road traffic incident injuries.”