Where to go if you’re feeling unwell this Easter
Just in case you need medical help this Easter Bank Holiday weekend, it’s important to know which service is best suited to your needs.
Your GP practice may be closed on Friday 15 April and Monday 18 April, but a range of NHS services are still available depending on your medical need.
For non-emergencies, you can also contact NHS 111 online or call 111 free from landlines and mobile phones. The service is available 24 hours a day, including Bank Holidays, and after answering a few questions you will be directed to the best place to get the medical help and advice you need.
Pharmacists are trained health professionals who can advise or signpost you to the relevant care and provide over-the-counter treatments. They can advise on issues such as colds, tummy troubles, sore eyes and ears, rashes and also sexual health.
To check the Bank Holiday opening times of your local pharmacy, please visit the NHS website or click here for further information.
For urgent, non-life-threatening illnesses or injuries:
- Urgent Treatment Centres (UTCs), which are located at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital and the Princess Royal Hospital in Telford, treat injuries which don’t need emergency treatment. They are open from 9am-9pm seven days a week, for more information visit the Shrewsbury and Telford NHS Trust website.
- Minor Injuries Units (MIUs) operate in Bridgnorth, Ludlow, Oswestry and Whitchurch and treat minor injuries such as bites, cuts, foreign bodies in the eyes, nose and ears, minor burns, scalds, sprains and bruises, and wound infections. This is a walk-in service – you do not need to be referred or to make an appointment, but please note they are not open 24 hours. If your condition cannot be dealt with at the MIU, you will be referred to another appropriate service. For opening hours, visit the Shropshire Community Health NHS Trust website.
Please remember, for life-threatening emergencies such as a stroke or heart attack, always contact 999. Check out the NHS website for the signs of stroke or heart attack.
If you are showing any symptoms of COVID-19 such as a high temperature, a new, continuous cough or loss of taste or smell, please stay at home and use the dedicated NHS 111 COVID-19 service for advice.
For more information, please visit: