The NHS in Wirral is expecting an extremely busy weekend over the Jubilee Bank Holiday and is encouraging anyone who needs to check symptoms or get health advice to use the NHS 111 online service first www.111.nhs.uk 
The 111 online service offers patients quick advice and the best options for getting the care they need, including getting a call back from a trained clinician or nurse, booking them an appointment in A&E, or providing advice on how to help them recover.
Dr Paula Cowan, local GP and Chair of NHS Wirral Clinical Commissioning Group, said, “We are extremely grateful to the dedicated teams across Wirral who will be working hard over the coming bank holiday weekend to ensure that all those that need care receive it.
“If you need help and use NHS 111 online first, it will ensure everyone who needs medical advice can access it quickly and conveniently, while allowing staff in our A&Es to continue to care for the most seriously ill and injured patients.
“If you need care in the coming days, please do come forward using NHS 111 online first and allowing that service to put you in touch with a healthcare professional where necessary and help you to get the treatment you need.”
111.nhs.uk can tell you:
- where to get help for your symptoms, if you’re not sure what to do
- how to find general health information and advice
- where to get an emergency supply of your prescribed medicine
- how to get a repeat prescription
- emergency dental appointments
You should still ring 999 if you experience:
- signs of a heart attack like pain like a heavy weight in the centre of your chest
- signs of stroke such as your face dropping on one side
- difficulty breathing
- heavy bleeding that won’t stop
- seizures
- or sudden and rapid swelling of the eyes, lips, throat or tongue
If you attend A&E or call 999 and your condition is not deemed to be life threatening, you will be advised of other local services that are more suitable for you.
Wirral pharmacy bank holiday opening times
A number of pharmacies are open on Bank Holiday Thursday and Friday (2 and 3 June).
Your local pharmacists can also help assess and treat common ailments. They are highly-qualified health professionals who can give free, confidential advice and help you get the right medications for everyday illnesses.
Search ‘find a pharmacy NHS’ to find an open pharmacy near you or view opening times here on the CCG website
Dealing with a mental health crisis or emergency
If your mental or emotional state quickly gets worse or deteriorates, this can be called a ‘mental health crisis’. In this situation, it is important to get help quickly.
Wirral’s All Age Mental Health Crisis Line is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week to people of all ages – including children and young people. Please call 0800 145 6485 and our dedicated local staff will support you to access the help you need. Other local mental health support services are available. Please visit www.cwp.nhs.uk/contact/need-urgent-help/ for further information.
Walk-in Centres, Urgent Treatment Centre and minor injuries
Our walk-in centres are open over the bank holiday weekend providing assessment, treatment and advice for minor injuries and illnesses including infections, burns and strains, minor cuts and wounds.
Visit www.wchc.nhs.uk/services/minor-injuries/ for further information and opening times.
A handy guide is available for you to download to help you access the right health advice and treatment over the bank holiday.
This includes information on support available to help you prevent illness, adopt healthier choices, manage minor ailments and look after your health and wellbeing.
Why not follow birkenhead.news on Facebook and Twitter? You can also send story ideas to news@birkenhead.news
Subscribe to our FREE newsletter