People across the North West are being urged to use NHS 111 online as their first port of call for non-emergency medical advice over the Easter bank holiday weekend (3–6 April).

With health services expected to be busy over the long weekend, and resident doctors due to start industrial action for five days from 7am on 7 April, NHS clinicians are encouraging the public to understand the best ways to access care so that urgent and emergency services remain available for those who need them most.

NHS 111 online works in the same way as the 111 phone service and is already widely used by people seeking quick advice on how to access the care they need. They can arrange a call back from a trained clinician or nurse, book an appointment at A&E, or provide direct medical advice.

Dr Paula Cowan, GP and Regional Medical Director for Primary Care at NHS England in the North West, said:

“The Easter weekend and the days that follow, particularly in light of industrial action, can be an extremely busy time for our 111 health advisors, clinicians, and the doctors, nurses and other health professionals working in our A&E departments.

“The public can help us by using the right service for their needs, including 111 online for quick and easy medical help. It can direct people to the right service quickly, provide medical advice, and helps to keep urgent and emergency services free for the most seriously ill and injured patients.”

Plan ahead to stay well this Easter

A little preparation before the bank holiday can reduce the likelihood of needing NHS help. Make sure you have enough of any regularly prescribed medication to last the weekend, and check that your medicine cabinet is stocked with essential items, including pain relief, cold and flu remedies, throat lozenges, antihistamines, and basic first aid supplies such as plasters and antiseptic cream.

Most of these items can be purchased at your local pharmacy or supermarket. Check the expiry dates on any medicines you already have and replace anything that is out of date.

Dr Cowan added:

“We are grateful to the dedicated teams across the NHS in the North West who will be working tirelessly over the Easter bank holiday and beyond to ensure that everyone who needs care receives it. It is vital that the public knows the best way to access that care during this time.

“In the event of a life- or limb-threatening emergency, people should always call 999 or go to A&E.”

NHS 111 online can help you:

• find out where to get help for your symptoms if you are not sure what to do
• access general health information and advice
• get an emergency supply of a prescribed medicine
• request a repeat prescription
• book an emergency dental appointment

You can access NHS 111 online at 111.nhs.uk. Please note that NHS 111 online is not available for children under five. If you need urgent medical help for a child under five, please call 111.

Call 999 if you or someone else experiences:

• chest pain or a heavy pressure or squeezing sensation in the chest, which may indicate a heart attack
• face drooping on one side, which may be a sign of stroke
• difficulty breathing
• heavy bleeding that will not stop
• seizures
• sudden and rapid swelling of the eyes, lips, throat or tongue

Your local pharmacist can provide advice and treatment for a range of minor conditions, including:

• sinusitis
• sore throat
• earache
• infected insect bites and stings
• impetigo
• shingles
• uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women

To find your nearest pharmacy, visit nhs.uk/find-a-pharmacy.

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