Make sure you know how to get health care support this weekend
The summer is drawing to a close and autumn is on its way, but before we get there, we still have the August bank holiday to look forward to! Whatever you may be planning, make sure you know where to get medical support.
Many NHS services close over bank holidays, but to ensure you still have the support you need, we outline where you can get help below. Please remember that the coronavirus is still spreading in our communities and we should continue to take precautions to protect ourselves and others.
Pharmacies
Many pharmacies will be closed on Monday (30 August). You can find out which are open and when by checking out the below schedules from NHS England:
- Mid Essex (including Chelmsford, Braintree, Maldon and Witham)
- South East Essex (including Southend, Rochford, Rayleigh)
- South West Essex (including Basildon, Brentwood and Thurrock)
Urgent Health Need
If you need help for an urgent health need, call 111. The NHS 111 helpline is open 24/7 and the trained call handlers will be able to provide support and direct you to the most appropriate NHS service for your need.
GP and Practice Nurses
Although GP practices are closed on bank holiday Monday, each area of mid and south Essex has its own extended access service that provides health care over the weekend and on bank holidays. You can find out about your local service below:
- Basildon and Brentwood
- Castle Point and Rochford
- Mid Essex
- Southend-on-Sea
- Thurrock Health Hubs
There is also an urgent GP out-of-hours service that operates over the bank holiday. This service can be accessed by calling 111.
Mental Health and Wellbeing
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, you can get immediate support and advice by calling 111 and selecting option 2. You will be connected to EPUT’s contact centre where trained staff will provide appropriate support and advice 24 hours a day.
If you need someone to talk to who will listen to you without judgement, you can also call the Samaritans helpline on 116 123. The line is free and open 24/7.
Under 18s can get mental health support by calling 0800 953 0222 between the hours of 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday or 0300 555 1200 at any other time.
Emergency Services
If you have a serious or life-threatening injury, emergency services are open 24/7 so please get in contact by phoning 999.
Coronavirus – staying alert and safe
The coronavirus hasn’t gone away and we need to remain vigilant by following the national guidance. Although many restrictions have been lifted, there are still things we should follow to help stop the spread. These include:
- Washing your hands regularly, especially when returning or leaving your home and whenever you come into contact with objects or people from outside our household.
- Social distancing wherever possible. This means staying 2 metres apart.
- Wearing a face covering in busy public places. Face coverings are required whenever visiting a health service unless you are exempt.
- Letting fresh air in by opening a window, or meeting others outside.
- Testing for COVID-19 regularly. Order a PCR test if you have symptoms and remember to self-isolate. You should self-isolate even if you’ve had COVID-19 before.
- Getting your COVID vaccine. Visit the Essex COVID website for more on the vaccine programme in mid and south Essex.
For all the latest information and guidance, visit the gov.uk or NHS websites.