People across the South East 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 six 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.

Dr Christopher Tibbs, Medical Director for NHS England South East, said:   

“The Easter weekend and the days that follow are always a busy time for the health service, but particularly in the light of this further round of industrial action an added amount of pressure has been applied.

“Industrial action comes at a real cost to both NHS staff and patients, but as with all other periods of strike action which have been observed, hospitals and General Practice across the region will do everything they can to minimise disruption to services during this time and ensure as much planned care as possible continues for patients.

“We know that Easter is a busy time for all those working in the health service, and as with other professions people use this time when school holidays fall to take annual leave. We are incredibly grateful to all the NHS staff, including those resident doctors who are not taking strike action, for working extra hours to maintain services for patients.

“The NHS is still here for you but please use it wisely. In an emergency always call 999 but for non-urgent needs use NHS 111 online, speak to your pharmacist or contact your GP.”

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.

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.

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.