Information on local services

You have planned your journey to see your loved ones, already ordered your food shopping but have you prepared in advance to make sure your family stays well this weekend?

With warm temperatures predicted, the NHS in Gloucestershire is urging people to plan ahead to keep themselves well and to think twice before heading to A&E or calling 999 when it’s not an emergency.

Over the bank holiday weekend, there will only be a limited number of GP surgery services open.

Here are some top tips to keep well over the long weekend:

  • Be prepared – don’t forget to order your regular prescriptions in advance and make sure you get these and any medicines you might need before the bank holiday. Remember to take this with you when visiting friends or family
  • Watch the weather – it is forecast to be more than 20C in Gloucestershire so ensure you have sun protection and plenty of cold drinks available
  • Barbecue safety – If you do break out the barbecue in the warm weather, ensure you have followed all the safety guidance properly and food is thoroughly cooked through to avoid any injuries or upset stomachs
  • If you need an urgent prescription because you have run out of your normal prescribed medicines, most community pharmacies can help
  • Keep a well-stocked medicine cabinet at home, with medicines such as paracetamol which can treat a number of everyday illnesses
  • Take early action – seek advice from your local pharmacy if you have a long term health condition and are starting to feel unwell before it gets more serious. Further advice can be found at: nhs.uk/staywell

If you do find yourself ill, injured or unwell, and are not sure where to seek help, here are a few useful pointers:

  • This ASAP website asapglos.nhs.uk provides information about lots of health conditions, looking after yourself and where to find the right help. You can also download the ASAP Glos NHS App free from your App store or pop into your local Pharmacy
  • Patients can access pharmacy services and details of opening times can be seen on the ASAP website
  • If you need urgent medical care when your GP surgery is closed, call NHS 111 and they will make sure you receive the advice and care you need
  • The GP-led Gloucester Health Access Centre on Eastgate Street, Gloucester, is open every day over the break between 8am and 8pm. Please call 01452 336 290 to make an appointment
  • Use Emergency Services wisely – call 999 only when it’s a serious injury or a life threatening situation such as unconsciousness, heavy loss of blood, severe chest pain or stroke

Deputy Chair of NHS Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group and local GP, Dr Hein Le Roux, advises:

“The key thing to remember before the break is to plan in advance and ensure you and your family are well prepared for all eventualities.

The simple steps outlined above should help you to enjoy the long weekend and know where to look for advice should the need arise.

GP appointments are available in your area during the evenings and at the weekend over the weekend and can be booked by contacting your surgery. Please remember that these are for people who have an urgent need.”