As the Easter weekend fast approaches, people in the South East are being reminded to use NHS111 online as their first point of contact for non-emergency medical advice over the bank holiday period (18-21 April).

With the NHS experiencing increased demand during bank holidays and A&E departments and the 111 phone service busy, the region’s medical director is encouraging the public to use online services for non-emergency advice and care.

NHS 111 online works in the same way as the 111 phone service and is already popular with people who want quick advice about the best options for getting the care they need.  These can include getting a call back from a trained clinician or nurse, booking them an appointment in A&E, or providing advice

Daghni Rajasingam, Deputy Medical Director for the NHS in the South East, said: “The Easter weekend will be a very busy time for the NHS with A&E departments experiencing increased demand alongside our 111 health advisors and clinicians.

“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, as well as providing medical advice, and helps to keep urgent and emergency services clear for the most seriously ill and injured patients.

“In the event of a life or limb threatening emergency people should always continue to call 999 or attend A&E and the NHS will be there to support them.”

People are also encouraged to plan ahead by keeping their medicine cabinet at home stocked with essential basic medicines such as pain relief, cold and flu remedies, throat lozenges, antihistamines, and basic first aid items like plasters and antiseptic cream.

Many of these items can be easily purchased at local pharmacies or supermarkets and don’t require a prescription.

As well as over-the-counter remedies, most pharmacies can also offer prescription medicine for some conditions, without you needing to see a GP or make an appointment through the Pharmacy First system.

Many pharmacies will be closed for some of the bank holiday weekend but NHS South East has produced a dedicated webpage with addresses, opening times and an interactive map of those that will be open. It can be found here: NHS England — South East » Pharmacy information

ENDS

Notes:

111.nhs.uk 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
• getting emergency dental appointments

NHS 111 online is not available for children under 5. People looking for urgent medical help for under 5s should use the 111 phone line.

You should still ring 999 if you or someone else 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
• difficulty breathing
• heavy bleeding that won’t stop
• seizures
• or sudden and rapid swelling of the eyes, lips, throat, or tongue

Conditions pharmasists can offer prescription medicine for are:

• impetigo (aged 1 year and over)
• infected insect bites (aged 1 year and over)
• earache (aged 1 to 17 years)
• sore throat (aged 5 years and over)
• sinusitis (aged 12 years and over)
• urinary tract infections (UTIs) (women aged 16 to 64 years)
• shingles (aged 18 years and over)