Health leaders at NHS South Sefton and NHS Southport and Formby Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) are reassuring residents that the NHS is here should they urgently need it over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Although GP practices in Sefton will be closed over the bank holiday, there are services and online support available to help people that need urgent same-daycare or treatment.

Some community pharmacies in the area may be open on Bank Holiday Monday – you can check your local pharmacy’s website for details.

NHS 111 can be contacted 24 hours a day, either online or by phone. You will be assessed, given advice, and directed straightaway to the local service that can best meet your needs, including Sefton’s local GP out of hours team.

For minor illnesses or injuries, Litherland Walk-in Centre is there to help but you must telephone first instead of going to the centre on 0300 100 1004. It is operating from 8am until 8pm over the Bank Holiday.

Patients can also seek medical advice at the West Lancashire Walk-in Centre and the Skelmersdale Walk-in Centre. Both centres are open seven days a week from 8am to 8pm, including bank holidays. Patients wishing to attend the Skelmersdale Walk-in Clinic need to call in advance to book an appointment. You can reach them on 01695 402180.

Anyone with COVID-19 (coronavirus) symptoms – a high temperature or a new, continuous cough and/or loss of taste or smell – who needs medical advice, should use the dedicated NHS 111 COVID-19 service online at www.111.nhs.uk/COVID-19.

Dr Craig Gillespie, chair of NHS South Sefton CCG, said: “If you or your child needs urgent care or treatment this weekend, the NHS is here to help you. Contact. NHS 111 or your local pharmacist.

“Please make sure that your medicine cabinet and first aid kit are well stocked with all the essentials so you can treat any minor injuries or ailments such as cuts, burns, sprains or headaches.”

Some essential items you should always have on hand are:

• Pain relievers – paracetamol or ibuprofen
• Allergy tablets.
• Indigestion remedy
• First aid kit
• Plasters
• Sterile dressings
• Antiseptic wipes
• Bandages.

Dr Rob Caudwell, chair of NHS Southport and Formby CCG, said: “During the coronavirus pandemic we have seen patients coming to hospital much later than they should have for serious conditions such as heart attacks and strokes.

“If you are experiencing a life-threatening, medical emergency – please dial 999 to give yourself the best chance of recovery.”

If you are going outside to enjoy the nice weather this Bank Holiday, make sure you stay two metres away from people that are outside your household. It’s also important to remember to protect yourself from the sun by wearing sunscreen and a hat.

For more information about Litherland Walk-in Centre, please visit: https://www.nwbh.nhs.uk/walk-in-centres

For more information about the West Lancashire Walk-in Centre visit: https://westlancscommunityhealth.nhs.uk/our-services/west-lancashire-urgent-treatment-centre/

For more information about the Skelmersdale Walk-in Centre visit: https://westlancscommunityhealth.nhs.uk/our-services/skelmersdale-walk-centre/

Pharmacy open times 

Please see the table below for confirmed pharmacy opening hours for Monday, May 25. This information is correct as of Friday, 22 May, but it's important to check your local chemist's exact operating times by giving them a call first.

Please do contact directly to check before you travel. You can find contact details for all pharmacies in Sefton by searching here.

Pharmacy opening hours can also be checked online here.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) useful links

• Gov.uk: Coronavirus (COVID-19): what you need to do
• NHS: Advice for everyone
• NHS: Advice for people at higher risk