As residents in Sefton make plans for the May bank holiday, NHS leaders are sharing advice for getting healthcare help should you become unwell.

Services like pharmacies, walk in centres and GP practices may not be open on bank holiday Monday (2 May), so residents are advised to plan ahead to know how to get the help they need.

Think 111 first

People who need urgent NHS care, but it is not a 999 emergency, are advised to contact NHS 111 which is staffed by trained professionals and clinicians who will direct people to the most appropriate health service.

Dr Rob Caudwell, chair of NHS Southport and Formby CCG, said: “If you’re feeling unwell, there is always help and advice available from NHS 111, even on bank holidays they are there to help you.

“We should all remember to ‘think 111 first’ – you can visit 111.nhs.uk online or call 111 over the phone to get healthcare support.”

Have you got your prescriptions?

Residents are also advised to make sure they have enough supply of any medications they need by ordering their repeat prescriptions early, and getting their medicine cabinet stocked up with essentials.

Dr Pete Chamberlain, chair of NHS South Sefton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said: “Pharmacies may change their opening hours on bank holiday Monday, so it’s best to think ahead and get your prescriptions stocked up early on to avoid being left short.

“Your local pharmacy can also help you to stock up on essential medicines for common ailments and injuries. They are highly qualified and can give free, confidential advice on many healthcare concerns.”

Grab a jab

COVID-19 vaccinations are available for 5-11 year olds and NHS leaders in Sefton are recommending that parents and guardians get their children vaccinated as soon as they are able, to boost their immunity and increase their protection against the disease. Children aged 5-11 with no underlying health conditions will be offered two paediatric (child) doses of the vaccine, which are smaller doses than those given to people aged 12 and over.

Anyone looking to book a COVID-19 vaccine for themselves or their children over the bank holiday weekend is advised to find a nearby appointment by calling 119 or visit the National Booking Service website at: www.nhs.uk/covidvaccine

Bookable appointments are available at a range of locations in Sefton, but residents can also find opening times for nearby walk in vaccine sites by visiting www.nhs.uk/grab-a-jab, to get their vaccine with no appointment needed.

May bank holiday pharmacy opening times

A number of pharmacies are open on Monday 2 May. Opening times for these pharmacies can be found in the link below, but residents are advised to call their local pharmacy before travelling, to confirm that they are open at the advertised times. Information will be added to the links as more opening times come into the CCGs.

Residents can find the pharmacy times here when they become available: southportandformbyccg.nhs.uk/may-bank-holiday-opening-times

Residents can also find lots of healthcare advice and services in the Sefton good health checklist, which you can view online at: southportandformbyccg.nhs.uk/good-health-checklist